Background
In 2014 and in the first part of 2015, the SGBV Sub-‐Working Group (SWG) in Jordan implemented SGBV prevention and response activities – primarily focused on the needs of women and girls. Globally, research has shown that engaging men and boys in SGBV prevention activities is vital and effective so the SGBV SWG decided that this approach should be introduced in Jordan. Additionally, evidence has shown that male survivors of SGBV may face barriers to accessing services. As part of its 2015 work plan, the SGBV sub-‐working group seeks to strengthen coordination and develop capacity to engage with men and boys in SGBV prevention and include male survivors in SGBV response activities in Jordan. For this purpose, the SGBV SWG in Jordan organized the first workshop on “Engaging Men and Boys” in May 2015.
The percentage of boys and men reporting SGBV incidents is low, consistent with globally identified trends. The SGBV SWG also identified gaps in access to SGBV services for male survivors and a lack of prevention activities. SGBV prevention programming in humanitarian emergencies is lacking globally so there is also a need for capacity building within the sector to address these issues.
Based upon this analysis and discussions with SWG members, the Senior Gender Capacity Advisor and the Sector Gender Focal Points Network, the SGBV SWG identified engaging with men & boys as one of the priorities for 2015 and this is reflected in the 2015 SGBV SWG Work Plan as one of the specific objectives. For the SGBV SWG, it is important to ensure that SGBV service providers are aware of tools and strategies to effectively include and engage men and boys to:
• Deepen understanding about the importance of engaging men and boys in SGBV prevention work and meet the needs of male survivors in SGBV response;
• Share strategies and tools for inclusion of men and boys in SGBV response and prevention activities.
• Identify actions to enhance the engagement of men and boys in SGBV programming at organizational and working group levels.