| dc.description.abstract | In the context of PSD, gender-based constraints are assessed through different programs implemented by development organizations who aim to achieve WEE. Traditionally, these organizations tend to design interventions in which only women are part of the target group. Even when this seems to make sense, these interventions overlook the fact that paying attention to the context in which women live is essential for the effectiveness of the programs. Part of this context is men. Men who are unaware of the benefits of WEE, who do not take responsibility of the household tasks or who make business or household decisions individually do not enable women to put in practice the knowledge and tools gained during the WEE interventions. Not paying attention to the context also prevents development organizations from realizing that men also have a lot to gain from the fight against gender stereotypes and inequalities.
With the experience of the 16 development organizations that were interviewed, this thesis evaluates the role of men in WEE interventions, the benefits and challenges of their engagement and makes recommendations for a better way to approach and engage men in this type of interventions. These results provide development organizations with the elements to continue giving steps towards more comprehensive interventions in which not only the needs of women are targeted but also the concerns and frustrations of men are understood and assessed. The benefits of this approach are not only enjoyed by women but also by men, families, communities, and society at large. | |
