Engaging Young Men in Advancing Gender Equality

ENGAGING YOUNG MEN IN ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY

A Guidance Note to Inform the Development of National Policies and Programmes Based on Results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) – Middle East and North Africa.

ENGAGING YOUNG MEN IN ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY

A Guidance Note to Inform the Development of National Policies and Programmes Based on Results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) – Middle East and North Africa ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Lena Karlsson, Lemonia Fokaidou, Zineb Chebihi, Hadeel Abdo, Maria Ghazzaoui, Rasha Abou Elazm, Jumanah Zabaneh, Heba Katoon, Emad Karim and Maryse Guimond at UN Women for their support and thoughtful review of this document. Thanks are also due to Gary Barker, Shereen El Feki and Kristina Vlahovicova for their inputs and strategic direction, and to Belén Bonilla and Nina Ford of Promundo-US for their editorial support. Abby Fried, Alexa Hassink, Brian Heilman and Annaick Miller of Promundo-US are the authors of this guidance note.

The International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES MENA)

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of UN Women, the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations. For a list of any errors or omissions found subsequent to printing please visit our website.

Designer: UN Women/Mohamed Gaber

Cover photo: UN Women TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE STATE OF YOUNG MEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA 6

PROGRAMMATIC GUIDANCE: ADDRESSING YOUNG MEN’S MULTIPLE NEEDS AND CON- STRAINTS 8

What programming is best suited for young men in the MENA region? 8

ADVOCACY FOR ACTION: CREATING ANENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR ENGAGIN YOUNG MEN IN GENDER EQUALITY 11

Leveraging international standards: The Sustainable Development Goals 12

Entry points and targets for advocacy at the national level 12

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GENDER-TRANSFORMATIVE POLICY CHANGE 13

CONCLUSION 15

END NOTES 16 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region The International Men and Gender Equality Survey continues to see progress – driven by new govern- – Middle East and North Africa (IMAGES MENA) was ment policies and civil society initiatives – in health designed to take a holistic look at the lives of men and and education indicators, and toward greater gender women in the region. The nearly 10,000-person (men equality, including the advancement of women’s and women) study led by UN Women, Promundo rights. However, as in all regions of the world, there and local research partners in Egypt, Lebanon (in- is a long road ahead before women attain true equal- cluding Syrian and Palestinian refugees), Morocco ity with men. To make further strides in advancing and Palestine6 investigates many of the stereotypes women’s rights, freedoms and access to justice, pro- commonly associated with men and women in these grammes and policies must consider the role of youth, countries, and highlights pathways to equality. This notably of young men, in achieving gender equality. guidance note draws directly upon data first pre- True gender equality is possible if Governments, civil sented in the IMAGES MENA regional report. society actors and individuals continue to build upon existing youth-led initiatives centred on how issues THE STATE OF YOUNG MEN IN THE relevant to young people can be recognized, discussed, 7 challenged and transformed. The issues include the MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA traditional expectations and conventions that man- The population in the region, overall, is very young: hood brings in the MENA region, the harmful norms for example, approximately 61 per cent of Egypt’s that support the use of violence and discrimination, population is under the age of 30, with 40 per cent widespread unemployment and economic insecurity. of the population between 10 and 29 years.8 The IMAGES studies conducted in other regions in the There is an urgent need to engage young men in world, using a selection of statements expressing at- the future of gender equality in the region. Across titudes towards gender that were inputted into the the Arab World, young people in the 15 to 29-year Gender Equitable Men (GEM) scale and weighted, age category represent more than 30 per cent of the show that younger men generally have more equita- 1,2 population. Moreover, the IMAGES MENA findings, ble attitudes than their older counterparts. However, presented in more detail below, underscore how in Egypt, Morocco and Palestine – using a regionally young men often have inequitable attitudes about adjusted version of the GEM scale – younger men’s gender roles and stereotypes in society. Furthermore, views on gender equality were found not to differ between 24 per cent of men in Lebanon and 41 per substantially from those of older men.9,10 By and cent of men in Morocco in the study of four coun- large, women of all ages also had more equitable tries agreed with the notion that “more rights for attitudes than those of men, as was the case in 3,4 women means that men lose out.” other regions, and young women held more equi- This guidance note draws on data and recommen- table views than older women. The reasons for these dations from Understanding Masculinities: Results trends are undoubtedly complex, and economic from the International Men and Gender Equality tensions are certainly at play. Many young men in Survey (IMAGES) – Middle East and North Africa5 these three countries report difficulties finding a job, on the topic of engaging young men in partnership hence they may feel they are not living up to the so- with young women to advance gender equality cial convention that men are the financial providers for the well-being of women, men, children and in a family. As one young man in Ramallah admitted: societies. The recommendations put forward in this note are intended to serve as regional guidance and should be further contextualized and adapted for “A man has to bring a house, a dowry and a use at the national level. These efforts are crucial to car when he gets married. He has to have a the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable job. He needs to have established himself to Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This guidance be able to marry. By the time he has achieved note was produced in combination with three other all that, he’ll be 70 years old! … Such is so- thematic guidance notes on the topics of gender society’s pressure on men.” – 20-year old male cialization, violence against women and fatherhood university student, Ramallah, Palestine and caregiving.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 6 This struggle to fulfil gendered expectations may and “pull” factors to recruit disenfranchised young lead young men to feel particularly stressed and dis- men. A complex interlinkage of push factors, such as advantaged. Some 43 per cent of all men surveyed poverty, political grievances and social and economic in Lebanon (both Lebanese nationals and those of marginalization of certain groups of men, and pull Syrian origin), for example, reported frequent feel- factors, such as the enticement of economic op- ings of stress or depression over their lack of income, portunity, marriage prospects and traditional male while 39 per cent reported that earning insufficient dominance and power, helps in this recruitment, income made them feel ashamed in front of their particularly where few alternatives were available.18 family.11 Youth unemployment rates range from 21 19 Extremist groups like the Islamic State in Iraq and per cent in Lebanon to 42 per cent in Egypt,12,13 al- the Sham entice young men by offering services: though these numbers do not include participation health services, education, loans and entrepreneur- in the informal economy. In Egypt the informal sec- ial capital and arranged marriages that provide tor has been estimated to account for 30 per cent or opportunities for men to fulfil traditional gender more of all employment).14,15 Not surprisingly, a recent expectations, which otherwise they could not fulfil. study in Egypt noted that youth frequently stated The IMAGES MENA findings also show that educa- that their aim was to gain job security through in- tional attainment is associated with more equitable tegration into the formal sector.16 Ultimately, under views on gender among both men and women. More pressure to attain the often unattainable norm of educated men and women, with more educated “man as financial provider,” some men concluded mothers and with fathers who carried out tradition- that they receive priority at any economic opportuni- ally feminine tasks in their childhood homes, were ties that are available, despite women’s far higher generally more likely to hold equitable views. Yet rates of unemployment and discrimination. public spending on education varies throughout the Furthermore, many young men cannot escape the region, from 25 per cent in Tunisia to less than 6 per reality of conflict. Syrian men in Lebanon, displaced cent in Lebanon – indicating that education is often due to the war in Syria, reported higher levels of not a priority.20,21 Unlike men, however, younger stress, depression and shame than Lebanese male women in most countries held more equitable nationals, for example. In many instances, accord- views than their older counterparts. The conclusion ing to qualitative research, Syrian men in Lebanon that emerges is that younger women in the region were no longer able to provide financially during the are yearning for more equality, but their male war, leaving women to take on the role of provider, peers – particularly those with lower educational further marginalizing young men in some cases. attainment – fail to share or support such aspira- Similarly, in Palestine, the occupation may contrib- tions. Some may even be working actively to oppose ute to a yearning for the inequitable gender order gender equality. The young man quoted below, a and security of the past, 17 and to allowing certain participant in qualitative research in Morocco, is voices in Palestinian society to justify inequitable a case in point when he reports on the disturbing social structures as a means of protecting and de- backlash to gender equality in his community: fending women and the family. At the same time, entrenched violence, initiated and perpetuated by militarism, enhances violence in all its aspects “To be honest, it’s rare to find a real man. and manifestations. The odds are stacked against Men have lost their masculinity in the wake unemployed Palestinian men as they attempt to of these new laws that give more advantag- realize their socially assigned role as providers and es and freedom to women.” – Male student breadwinners against a background of extreme eco- in his twenties, in Khémisset, Morocco nomic deprivation due to the prolonged occupation, its attendant unemployment and low incomes.

In these and other countries of the region, the Programmes and policies that support female em- language and symbolism of traditional masculine powerment and women’s rights must therefore find “provider and protector” roles have allowed violent suitable methodologies to transform the gender extremist groups to take advantage of both “push” norms that perpetuate these harmful attitudes and practices. This includes methodologies that invite

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 7 and challenge men to be true allies in the pursuit of • Programmes must open up the “man box” and greater gender and social equality, and to see how get young men to reflect critically on, and ul- gender equality is also their cause. A recent review of timately reimagine, their definition of what it policies to partner with youth on public governance means to “be a real man.” Many years of evi- institutions in the region found an absence of gender dence support the conclusion that programmes considerations in such policies.22 Ultimately, young aimed at addressing gender-related issues must men and women in the region can be agents of posi- not shy away from discussing gender directly. In tive change in their communities if they are given the case of programming on harmful masculine equal opportunities for development and growth. norms addressing them requires direct, frank discussion about what it means to “be a real PROGRAMMATIC GUIDANCE: man.”23 These discussions must also include a variety of approaches that recognize the ADDRESSING YOUNG MEN’S uniqueness of young men and young women, in MULTIPLE NEEDS AND which factors of diversity -- age, race, ethnicity, CONSTRAINTS religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and others play a role. As IMAGES MENA data show, there are many complex constraints and challenges facing young men • In particular, the social expectation that a from diverse backgrounds in the MENA region, even “real man” achieves financial success and as many young men continue to demonstrate ineq- is the primary provider for himself and his uitable gender norms and perpetrate various forms family intensifies the pressure on men in of violence even as many do believe in something situations of high unemployment, political closer to equality. This leaves program designers, instability and limited economic opportu- funders, and implementers a tremendous task as nity. Programming should help economically they set out to simultaneously address harmful gen- marginalized young men in the MENA region der attitudes, ensure greater economic opportunity, identify and seek alternative ways of finding and prevent family, political, and extremist violence a sense of purpose and self-worth– those alike, all while simultaneously recognizing the dis- that better reflect their interests, abilities proportionate negative consequences of persistent and opportunities. Then, they can begin to gender inequality for women and girls. Drawing on experience these different benchmarks of IMAGES MENA data and recent programming in the manhood in their life. Rather than focusing MENA region and elsewhere, it is possible to point only on economic objectives, programming to concrete guidance to improve their efforts. should help young men take pride in their identity as a caregiver, friend, artist, student, WHAT PROGRAMMING IS BEST group leader, activist. The economic realities of these young men’s lives cannot be ignored, SUITED FOR YOUNG MEN IN THE but shifting the emphasis away from the role MENA REGION? of provider as the most important way they According to global evidence and promising can contribute to society and their families practices, the best programmes that address the has the potential to relieve some stress. following: young men’s gender attitudes; the per- • Likewise, open and active political or inter- petration of aggressive behaviours and violence in State conflicts puts excessive demands on relationships; economic and social exclusion; and the expectation that “a real man” be a physi- involvement in political, extremist, or gang violence cal protector for his family, particularly if a include certain traits such as those listed below. To family becomes displaced. The urge to pro- the extent possible, programmes that challenge tect one’s family is certainly a positive urge, young men’s harmful notions about manhood but individual men have limited capacity to should involve them in programme design and in truly affect the complex political drivers be- related communications, or advocacy work. hind war and conflict. If physical protection is the only avenue societies in MENA allow

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 8 young men to achieve or prove their man- equality. While young men face particular hood, then it is not surprising that they gendered challenges and vulnerabilities, turn to violence or force. Programmes they must acknowledge the inequality should elaborate on and amplify the and discrimination that young women many other community-focused ideas face, and work together towards greater and inclinations that young men in the gender equality for the benefit of all. region share. They should also provide op- Young men, who display both attitudes portunities for young men in conflict and and behaviour of gender equality, should violence-affected areas in particular to be included in programmes as role mod- discuss the impact that violence has had els for other young men.24 25 on their lives, and to reflect on, elaborate and develop more positive non-violent BOX 1 coping mechanisms to resolve conflict. Depressive symptoms are highly • IMAGES MENA respondents’ high lev- prevalent els of reported depressive symptoms Men Women and suicidal tendencies in the IMAGES 60 MENA data also point to the underly- 52 51 50 49 ing emotional dilemmas at the heart 40 35 38 of mainstream definitions of manhood 28 30 26 27 or masculinity. Young men in the MENA 20 region are often taught and socialized 10 not to display any emotional vulner- 0 ability or perceived “weakness.” But a Egypt Morocco Lebanon Palestine full range of emotional intelligence and Rates of depression expression is vital for all people, regard- Percentage of respondents in four countries less of their gender. Amid the context of who scored above the depression-screening war, displacement, violence, including threshold on the 20-item CES-D24 depression young men’s own experiences of sexual scale25 violence, unemployment and otherwise limited prospects -- feelings of sadness, fear, stress, disappointment and frustra- • Peer group influences are particularly impor- tion are inevitable and natural. Young tant for young men therefore group-based men are taught to heap pain upon pain programme models have proven more effec- by denying themselves the ability to be tive than some others. Younger programme fully emotionally honest and expres- participants are more likely to embrace new sive. Programmes with young men in ways of thinking and acting when their the MENA region should alleviate, not friends and other peers they admire are amplify, this stress: safe spaces should embracing the same changes. Following this be created by promoting trust-building theory, many effective programmes that activities, open dialogues, one-on-one aim to shift gender norms and accelerate counselling sessions and using other young men’s uptake of healthier or non-vi- methodologies to allow young men to olent behaviours have used group education more fully express their emotions and to methodologies. Programmes with young heal where necessary. men in MENA should allow for gender norms • As young men begin to unpack and un- to change socially. Working with young men learn these socially constructed ideals of alongside their peers will give them a chance manhood, the lessons learned must take to understand new ideas at an individual place in partnership with young women level, and to observe their respected peers leading to their empowerment and embracing these ideas.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 9 BOX 2 ABAAD has amplified all of this work Programme focus: ABAAD through media campaigns and film. In partnership with Heartland Alliance for ABAAD is a non-profit, non-politically Human Needs and Human Rights and affiliated, non-religious civil association the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, that aims to achieve gender equality as and in collaboration with the Forum an essential condition to sustainable for Development Culture and Dialogue, social and economic development in the ABAAD launched a nationwide media MENA region. ABAAD seeks to promote campaign, entitled “Be a Man. Real Men women’s equality and participation Take a Stand Against Violence”. This through policy development, legal re- media campaign took a new approach: form, gender mainstreaming, engaging rather than blame the perpetrators, it men, eliminating discrimination and highlighted those men who refuse to re- advancing and empowering women to main silent about gender inequality and participate effectively and fully in their violence against women. In 2011, with communities. ABAAD also seeks to sup- WonderBox Productions, ABAAD also port and collaborate with civil society sponsored 16 young men from Iraq and organizations involved in gender equal- Lebanon to create TV spots, each sending ity programmes and advocacy campaigns. the message that everyone has a role to In brief, ABAAD believes that attaining gen- play in ending violence against women. der equality and combating gender-based violence can only be achieved through holistically addressing the constraints • Given their immense popularity in the region, that exist at different levels: policy, insti- social media platforms should also play a role tutional and among individuals. ABAAD in shifting public conversations and attitudes is committed to “deconstructing” nega- about gender, masculinity and other social tive gender stereotypes that are instilled conventions. Programmers must also assume during childhood and early adolescence, responsibility for the potential harmful influ- and to reconstructing such stereotypes ence of these platforms. Community-based or according to principles of gender equality. national campaigns to address pressing issues facing youth and young men in the region must Their work with young men centres on include social media components, including their Programme Ra – taken from “rajol”, careful efforts to confront and counter the harm- the Arabic word for man, which encour- ful messages too often disseminated on these ages critical reflection about rigid norms platforms. The recently-launched “Because I related to manhood. Taking Lebanon’s Am a Man” campaign of UN Women in the four refugee crisis into account, Programme IMAGES MENA countries, for example, seeks Ra was adapted from Programme H. This to raise awareness and initiate discussions on Programme was developed by Promundo gender equality issues with young men through and has been used in more than 22 coun- social media. tries. It was designed to target young men between 14 and 24 years, from refugee and marginalized host communities living in both urban and rural areas. As a capacity-building training curriculum for young men, Programme Ra focuses on issues like non-violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), substance abuse and gender equality.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 10 the future; programme efforts would do well BOX 3 to nurture and embody this positive outlook. Programme focus: Dialogue and Multiple surveys show the relative optimism of artistic expression as a means of youth in the region. The recent Survey of Young transforming group stereotypes People in Egypt, for example, reveals that many young people are optimistic about their future, The European Union-funded project, “Better despite the general feeling of dissatisfaction Together: A Youth-led Approach to Peaceful with current living conditions.26 This is another Coexistence,” is an initiative of Search for reminder that programmes do best when they Common Ground in Lebanon, partnering adopt a positive outlook rather than depicting with the Lebanese Organization for Studies the lives and opportunities of youth in the re- and Training (LOST) in the Bekaa Valley and gion in sombre terms. the Department for People and Nature Association (DPNA) in South Lebanon. The ADVOCACY FOR ACTION: CREATING project centres around summer camps in which Syrian and Lebanese youth par- AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ticipate in conflict- resolution trainings and FOR ENGAGING YOUNG MEN IN artistic workshops alongside one another, GENDER EQUALITY27 including drawing, theatre, music and film- There are many international mechanisms, goals, based activities. Over 300 young people are resolutions and platforms for action, for example, expected to participate in the programme designed to hold National Governments accountable whose goal is to enable them to better ex- for advancing gender equality on the global stage.28 press express themselves through art, and to A wide array of national policies that focus on these overcome stereotypes and misconceptions topics are in place throughout the region. These the groups may harbour about one another.27 should be further assessed when adapting recom- Youth Gender Innovation Agora: UN Women mendations for policy change at the national level. established this youth network in 2017 as a Advocacy for gender-transformative policies is of dialogue platform with young people. The particular importance. Such policies actively seek to Youth Gender Innovation Agora consists of address, challenge and transform existing, harmful 30 youth members – activists, civil society gender dynamics and power imbalances, and pro- professional and social media influencers vide opportunities and support to all young adults – from 13 countries in the region who work to reach their potential and achieve gender equal- together to develop innovative gender ity. The policies and objectives should be realized in equality solutions, mobilize young people consultation with the voiced needs and engagement and disseminate information to networks of young men and women directly. The table below and organizations throughout the region. provides gender-transformative policies to advance Sharek Youth Forum: The NGO is imple- young men’s engagement in gender equality. menting the project, entitled “Promoting Civil society and United Nations key players can gender equality through Mobile Theatre,” play a role in influencing policymakers, key stake- under the UN Women regional programme holders and relevant audiences to advocate for “Men and Women for Gender Equality”. policy change in this direction.29 Advocacy can be Thirty young people are currently ben- conducted in many ways: through written state- efiting from this project and received a ments, meetings or briefings with policy-makers training on gender equality and mascu- and decision-making bodies; by building and tak- linities, which will be followed by trainings ing collective action with partnerships, coalitions, on leadership and theatre performance. and alliances; or by leading targeted communications campaigns or media engagement efforts. UN • Recent data show that even in the context of Women has developed a youth and gender advo- extreme economic challenges and political un- cacy toolkit which can help young people to more certainty, many youth remain optimistic about effectively advocate for gender equality.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 11 LEVERAGING INTERNATIONAL • Collecting disaggregated data on young men’s and women’s attitudes and behaviours when STANDARDS: THE SUSTAINABLE it comes to topics related to gender equality, DEVELOPMENT GOALS including on education, employment and on is- Many international mechanisms (goals, resolutions sues like violence and discrimination; and and platforms for action) have been designed to hold • Building civil society partnerships to effectively National Governments accountable for advancing implement policies, protocols and programmes 30 gender equality on the global stage. The Sustainable to advance the SDGs. Development Goals (SDGs)31 of the 2030 Agenda for 32 Sustainable Development provide the opportunity ENTRY POINTS AND TARGETS FOR for continued global attention on how to successfully engage young men in advancing gender equality ADVOCACY AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL and achieving peaceful and prosperous societies. In Supportive laws, policies and practices imple- particular, SDG Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive and mented within workplaces and schools represent equitable quality education, Goal 5 aims to achieve additional mechanisms for supporting young men gender equality by 2030, Goal 8 focuses on labour alongside young women in ensuring job skills, productivity and reducing the unemployment rate, employment and concrete pathways are in place to especially for young people, and Goal 16 aims to create advance gender equality. However, laws and poli- peaceful societies.33 Civil society and United Nations cies are seldom designed or implemented with the partners can support Governments34 in reaching these specific objective of promoting young men’s effort goals by undertaking the following actions: in support of gender equality, or of acknowledging the specific needs and vulnerabilities of young men • Building their capacity to understand how and young women. There are many examples of young men’s support for gender equality may be national policies (listed in the table below) which tied to their education and economic opportuni- can be advocated for, implemented and enforced to ties, and reinforced by underlying inequalities; support young men’s support for gender equality, • Providing evidence-based best practices in pro- both by involving the younger generation in the grammatic approaches and policies to promote policymaking process, but also by mainstreaming quality, gender-transformative education and their concerns in public polices and strategies.35 job skills and opportunities;

Areas for advocacy in the MENA region to advance men’s engagement in gender equality

Policy Status Recommendation

The youth unemployment rate in the region is increasing, Numerous structural barriers persist that must be in part due to a mismatch between the and economic op- addressed first and foremost. This includes a more ef- portunities in the MENA region. This leads young people, ficient allocation of resources, more equitable access to particularly women, to become economically inactive, opportunities,39 and greater job opportunities for young spend long periods of time searching for jobs, and move women and young men in both public and private spheres. toward insecure jobs in the informal sector, some with no opportunity for advancement.36 The impact of this shift Job training and vocational programmes need to be on young men can delay their economic independence, restructured to be better tailored to the labour and skills Employment and a symbol of manhood, increase stress, especially for men market, thereby increasing the availability and affordability Job Skills feeling pressure to be the provider, and delay milestones, of these programmes. They should also include “stepping such as marriage and starting a family – factors than can stone” programmes.40 The overall educational process be perceived as emasculating. 37 should be connected to job placement programmes, ensuring that students have access to internships, part- Among 15-29-year olds in MENA, obstacles to decent pay- time work, or other skill-building opportunities. Such ing jobs are most frequently perceived as due to a dearth opportunities should be available to everyone, irrespective of good jobs, or a lack of economic preparedness, coupled of gender.41 Finally, workplaces should create supportive with needing connections to get a job, or selection system policies and cultures that are gender-equitable and free readiness, lack of proper training, or lack of workforce from violence and discrimination. readiness.38

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 12 Despite playing prominent roles during the civil uprisings of the Arab spring, young adult engagement in the political process is still low, Create new opportunities and spaces (online or in and the needs of the younger generation are person) for the meaningful engagement of young not effectively addressed.42 Several countries in people of all genders, socioeconomic statuses, in MENA have begun to include youth-engagement political processes and in holding Government terminology in their constitutions and policies, accountable, helping to ensure that services are including in Egypt, for example, by assigning a also responsive to youth needs.45 Support for minimum share of seats in local councils; and this engagement could include youth leader- in Morocco, a consultative council for youth was ship training for young men and young women 43 Young Adult established. through university coursework, and in gender- transformative programming and opportunities Engagement in There are promising examples of Governments for internships and mentoring for youth leaders.46 Government acknowledging the potential power of youth, such as the President’s Leadership Programme Governments should create and implement a in Egypt, which seeks to provide future leaders National Youth Policy that identifies youth prob- with analytical skills and job opportunities, or the lems, aspirations and develop a specific plan to UNDP Arab States’ Youth Leadership Programme address these challenges, which includes the to support young men and women from across identification of and plan to address gender in- the region to address sustainable development equalities among young women and men. This is challenges - whether through social enterprises, an area where civil society advocacy can encour- non-profits, NGOs, initiatives, or campaigns - age implementation. with a specific focus on gender equality and women empowerment.44

Most MENA countries have closed the gender gaps In addition to structural policies and issues that in enrolment.47,48 However, the quality of educa- should seek to improve the quality of education is generally below international standards,49, tion, policies should be in place that: require 50 and has not translated into equally higher rates school curricula to be gender-transformative; of women’s economic and political participation, include the promotion of gender equitable val- or of an equal share of unpaid care work in the ues, the notion that care is a valuable skill and home. Education is crucial as young people learn everyone’s responsibility; that all boys and girls about gendered expectations – the roles they are equally capable of succeeding at science and Education should play as providers or caregivers – from a math; and that allocate resources to do so. This young age.51 Moreover, a small number of gender should complement policies which ensure that studies courses are offered at universities across schools are safe places for all children to thrive, the IMAGES MENA countries so that an expan- and that the technical quality of education meets sion in their scope that included the study of men international standards. This includes the need and masculinities in their programmes would be to mainstream courses in secondary schools and beneficial. Partnering with academic institutions, universities that focus on students’ abilities to particularly those in the Global South with long- think critically about transforming inequitable standing experience in these fields, would also be gender norms and practices.53 valuable.52

Sometimes, current policies may support young passing gender-transformative policies, but also men’s engagement in gender equality on paper, fully implementing them and holding Governments but lack the political will, resources, or public accountable for their commitments and plans of awareness to put them into practice. Conducting action. successful policy advocacy means not only

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 13 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR including as youth producers and partners, to design messaging in support of gender equality. GENDER-TRANSFORMATIVE POLICY • Identify and support key political leaders, both in CHANGE the public sector and civil society, and religious Advocacy efforts to advance young men’s engage- leaders as visible allies to lead policy change. ment in promoting gender equality should be Join and amplify existing initiatives, but also find gender-transformative at their core. These policies new progressive voices in political and religious and programmes must also adhere to the central leadership to articulate these issues. Displays principle of accountability to local women’s rights of personal leadership in support of gender organizations and women’s leadership in the equality helps inspire young adults’ engage- pursuit of gender equality. The recommendations ment in the policymaking process and provides below are intended to serve as regional guidance examples of masculinity and femininity that and should be further contextualized and adapted young men and young women can aspire to. for use at the national level. • Any efforts to bring young men more fully into • Frame the advocacy focus of young men’s en- gender equality work should also take spe- gagement in gender equality within the broader cial consideration of young women’s needs, gender justice movement. Policies designed particularly in support of their opportunities to encourage job skills, to mainstream gender- and preparedness to enter the paid workforce, transformative education and employment and in challenging underlying norms inhibit- opportunities for young adults exist in the ing their free and full access to their rights. region, but should not be endpoints in and of • Generate research and evidence-based themselves. These policies contribute to achiev- programmes and platforms for young ing greater gender equality, justice and peace for adults that are informed and driven by all if they: educate both boys and girls that care the Sustainable Development Goals, is a valuable skill and everyone’s responsibility; particularly Goal 4 on education, Goal 5 on gen- demonstrate that all youth are equally capable der equality, Goal 8 on employment and Goal 16 of succeeding at science and math; encourage on peaceful societies, and contribute towards the development of job skills and placements the holistic implementation of a gender-respon- in non-gender traditional careers; and provide sive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. equal access to job opportunities for all genders. • Recognize the diversity of boys and girls, men • Build upon existing national and regional alli- and women, including sexual orientation, ances among local women’s rights organizations race, class, religious affiliation, employment and those working on young men’s engagement status, for example. With this diversity in mind, in gender equality, peacebuilding, job skills train- advocacy efforts must address thestructural ing and youth engagement. This step is essential barriers that have the greatest impact on cer- to identify common goals and to map out the tain individual “identities” by providing them potential negative, unintended consequences with fewer opportunities for high-quality of “engaging men and boys” work so as to avoid education, or putting them as higher risk of vio- them. This coalition building will add strength to lence. Policies can never be “one-size-fits-all.” advocacy efforts, and will ensure that the goals of any advocacy effort are shared, inclusive, • Actively seek to transform gendered expecta- and accountable to the needs of key stake- tions and power imbalances; particularly those holders, thereby addressing and challenging which are reinforced from a young age around – rather than reinforcing – existing inequalities. the roles men and women can play domes- tically and economically. This includes the • Consult and involve youth directly in the de- assumption that men identify exclusively as sign, development and implementation of providers or protectors, and women exclusively gender transformative programmes and policies, as nurturers or carers. In this quest for change, youth should be consulted in the design of

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 14 campaigns, media engagement and activ- ism to promote gender equality in the region.

• While using a rights-based approach, highlight the positive social and economic impacts of employment and education for the younger generation at home and at school. For example, youth employment and engagement in the workplace and in public policy can contribute meaningfully to economic advancement and to gender equality when female and male adolescent needs are under consideration and addressed in a gender-transformative way.

Conclusion Full gender equality in the Middle East and North Africa will only be attained when youth, female and male, collaborate in partnerships with fully gender-transformative approaches and goals. IMAGES MENA data provide compelling evidence to underlie gender-transformative programming and evidence-based advocacy young men’s attitudes and behaviours concerning gender equality. These data also shed light on the broader environment shaping these harmful norms and/or point the way toward pathways for change.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 15 END NOTES 1 The figure is 16.7 per data and examples worldbank.org/indica- 20 A more deep-rooted cent in Egypt; 18.6 per focus on Egypt, tor/SL.UEM.1524.ZS analysis of educational cent in Lebanon; 16.6 Lebanon, Morocco and opportunities and per cent in Morocco Palestine. 13 International Youth indicators is outside and 21.2 per cent in Foundation. (n.d.). the scope of this brief. Palestine. 8 Roushdy, R. and The Global Youth Sieverding, M. (2015). Wellbeing Index. 21 World Bank. https:// 2 Silatech and Gallup. Panel survey of young World: IYF. https:// data.worldbank.org/ (2009). The Silatech people in Egypt 2014: www.youthindex.org/ indicator/SE.XPD.TOTL. Index: Voices of Young Generating evidence GB.ZS Arabs. Doha: Silatech for policy, programs, 14 Kassem, Taha. (2014). and Gallup. and research. Cairo: “Formalizing the 22 Organization for Population Council. Informal Economy: Economic Cooperation 3 The Moroccan survey A Required State and Development was implemented in 9 United Nations Regulatory and (OECD) (2016). Youth the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Department of Institutional Approach in the MENA Region: region of the country Economic and Social Egypt as a Case Study.” How to Bring Them and is not nationally Affairs (UN DESA). International Journal In, OECD Publishing, representative. (n.d.). Development. of Humanities and Paris.http://dx.doi. World: UN DESA. Social Sciences, Vol. org/10.1787/ 4 El Feki, S., Heilman, http://www.un.org/ 4:1. 9789264265721-en B. and Barker, G. en/development/ 15 Korany, B., El-Sayyad, (2017). Understanding desa/population 23 Barker, G., Ricardo, C. M. and Serag, B. Masculinities: Results and Nascimento, M. 10 El Feki, S., Heilman, (2016). A Ticking from the International (2007). Engaging men B. and Barker, G. Bomb: Egypt’s Youth Men and Gender and boys in changing (2017). Understanding Unemployment. Cairo: Equality Survey gender-based inequity Masculinities: Results SAHWA Project. (IMAGES) – Middle in health: Evidence from the International East and North Africa. from programme Men and Gender 16 Ibid. Cairo and Washington, interventions. Geneva: Equality Survey D.C.: UN Women and 17 Mackenzie, M. Promundo and (IMAGES) – Middle Promundo-US. and Foster, A. the World Health East and North Africa. (2017). Masculinity Organization. 5 Ibid. Cairo and Washington, Nostalgia: How D.C.: UN Women and 24 Centre for war and occupation 6 In Lebanon and Promundo-US. Epidemiologic Studies inspire a yearning for Palestine, samples Depression Scale. are nationally repre- 11 El Feki, S., Heilman, gender order. Security sentative. In Egypt B. and Barker, G., Eds. Dialogue 48 (3) 25 El Feki, S., Heilman, and Morocco, (2017) Understanding 206-223. B. and Barker, G., Eds. specific regions of Masculinities: Results (2017) Understanding 18 Schomerus, M., El the country were from the International Masculinities: Results Taraboulsi-McCarthy, selected. However, the Men and Gender from the International S. and Sandhar, J. samples are broadly Equality Survey Men and Gender (2017). Countering vio- representative of (IMAGES) – Middle Equality Survey lent extremism: Topic those regions. East and North Africa. (IMAGES) – Middle Guide. Birmingham: Cairo and Washington, East and North Africa. Governance and Social 7 The Middle East and D.C.: UN Women and Cairo and Washington, Resource Centre. North Africa is a Promundo-US. D.C.: UN Women and diverse region. The Promundo-US. 19 Zeiger, S. and Aly, A. UN Women Regional 12 International Labour (2015). Countering Office for the Arab Organization (ILO) and 26 Population Council Violent Extremism: States, for example, the World Bank. (n.d.). (2017). Survey of Young Developing an covers 17 countries Unemployment, youth People in Egypt. New Evidence-base for in the region. While total (percentage of York. http://www.pop- Policy and Practice. this brief refers to total labour force council.org/research/ Perth: Curtin the realities of young aged 15-24 years). survey-of-young- University. men more broadly ILO and the World people-in-egypt in the region, many Bank. https://data.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 16 27 Population Council reservations to some 37 El Feki, S., Heilman, from the International (2017). Survey of of its main provisions; B. and Barker, G. Men and Gender Young People in the Beijing Declaration (2017). Understanding Equality Survey Egypt. New York. and Platform for Masculinities: Results (IMAGES) – Middle http://www.pop- Action; the ICPD from the International East and North Africa. council.org/research/ Programme of Action; Men and Gender Cairo and Washington, survey-of-young- relevant United Equality Survey D.C.: UN Women and people-in-egypt Nations Security (IMAGES) – Middle Promundo-US. Council resolutions; East and North Africa. 28 These include the the Commission on Cairo and Washington, 47 World Bank. (2012). Convention on the Status of Women D.C.: UN Women and World Development the Elimination agreed conclusions Promundo-US. Report: Gender of All Forms of and other appli- Equality and Discrimination cable United Nations 38 Silatech and Gallup. Development. Against Women instruments and (2009). The Silatech Washinton, D.C. (CEDAW), the Beijing resolutions on gender Index: Voices of Young https://openknowl- Platform for Action, equality and women’s Arabs. Doha: Silatech edge.worldbank.org/ the International empowerment. and Gallup. handle/10986/4391 Conference on Population and 32 United Nations 39 Gatti, R., Morgandi, M., 48 World Bank. (2013). Development (ICPD), Sustainable Grun, R., Brodmann, Opening Doors: and the Universal Development Goals. S., Angel-Urdinola, D., Gender Equality and Periodic Review, (n.d.). The Sustainable Moreno, J., Marotta, Development in the among others. Development D., Schiffbauer, M. Middle East and North Agenda. World: UN and Lorenzo, E. Jobs Africa. Washington, 29 UNICEF defines SDG. http://www. for Shared Prosperity: D.C.: World Bank. advocacy as, “.. the un.org/sustain- Time for Action in the 49 Gatti, R., Morgandi, deliberate process, abledevelopment/ Middle East and North M., Grun, R., based on demon- development-agenda/ Africa. Washington, strated evidence, to D.C.: World Bank. Brodmann, S., directly and indirectly 33 United Nations Angel-Urdinola, D., influence decision Department of 40 Ibid. Moreno, J., Marotta, makers, stakeholders Economic and D., Schiffbauer, M. OECD. (2016). Youth in and relevant audi- Social Affairs. 41 and Lorenzo, E. Jobs the MENA Region: How ences to support and (n.d.). Sustainable for Shared Prosperity: to bring them in. Paris. implement actions Development Time for Action in the Middle East and North that contribute to the Knowledge Platform. 42 Ibid. fulfilment of children’s World: UN DESA. Africa. Washington, and women’s rights.” https://sustainablede- 43 Ibid. DC: World Bank. In UNICEF (2010). velopment.un.org/ 50 League of Arab States Advocacy Toolkit. New sdgs 44 UNDP. (n.d.). Launch and the United York. Retrieved from: of the UNDP Nations . (2013). The https://www.unicef. 34 United Nations Youth Leadership Arab Millennium org/evaluation/files/ Department of Programme 3. Development Goals Advocacy_Toolkit.pdf Economic and Beirut: UNDP. http:// Social Affairs. (n.d.). www.lb.undp.org/ Report: Facing 30 These include CEDAW, Voluntary National content/lebanon/en/ Challenges and the Beijing Platform Reviews. World: UN home/presscenter/ Looking Beyond 2015. for Action and the DESA. https://sustain- articles/2017/06/12/ 51 Moreover, in three ICPD, among others. abledevelopment. launch-of-the-undp- of the four IMAGES un.org/vnrs/ youth-leadership- MENA countries, 31 The SDG strategy is programme-3.html informed and guided 35 OECD. (2016). Youth young men did not by international in the MENA Region: 45 OECD. (2016). Youth in necessarily hold more standards and mecha- How to bring them in. the MENA Region: How gender equitable nisms including Paris. to bring them in. Paris. attitudes than older CEDAW, which all men, pointing to the Arab countries, except 36 OECD. (2016). Youth 46 El Feki, S., Heilman, need for the education Somalia and Sudan, in the MENA Region: B. and Barker, G. system to instil gender have ratified, although How to bring them in. (2017). Understanding equitable values from the majority have Paris. Masculinities: Results a young age..

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 17 52 El Feki, S., Heilman, B. and Barker, G. (2017). Understanding Masculinities: Results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) – Middle East and North Africa. Cairo and Washington, D.C.: UN Women and Promundo-US.

53 Ibid.

engaging young men in advancing gender equality 18

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