Girl power is for boys, too

Males have just as much to do as females when it comes to the challenge of gender equality. 

 

This was emphasized in the latest report from international children's development organization Plan, which has been working with children in communities in 48 countries for over 70 years.

 

"Fathers, husbands, brothers and boyfriends all have their part to play," the group notes in their executive summary of "Because I am a Girl: So, What About Boys?" annual report monitoring the State of the World's Girls.

 

Plan says their report presents clear evidence that: 

 

1. Gender equality is good for boys, too

2. Fathers who care promote their own happiness and that of their sons and daughters

3. To bring about change we need to start at the beginning with the family and the school. Education at all ages and stages is key.

 

Among the key research findings from research with 12 to 18 year olds in several countries including the UK, Rwanda and India is that gender inequality and violence against girls is handed down through generations by families and schools. 

 

The study revealed that 65 percent of participants from India and Rwanda agreed with the statement "A woman should tolerate violence in order to keep her family together." Forty-three percent agreed that "there are times when a woman deserves to be beaten."

 

Among the same participants, majority agreed that "changing diapers, giving kids a bath and feeding kids are the mother's responsibility."

 

On the other hand, Plan's survey also showed that children are happier when they see their parents sharing household responsibilities.

 

Included in the report is the "Pretty Ermats Meet Proud Erpats" training conducted in East Samar in 2008, where 1,337 married couples learned to get fathers more involved in their families. The report shares how Arlyn experienced positive changes in her husband, Onyo.

 

"I woke up one morning surprised to see my husband walking towards the stream with our dirty laundry," Arlyn says in the report.

 

"Occasionally, we do the laundry together in the stream. I enjoy it. We talk a lot about our plans for our family," says Onyo, who believes his marriage has grown stronger since helping out with the household chores.

 

The report notes that men who stand up for gender equality also have to face the difficulties of going against the prevailing norms. The report also says that more and more, men are acknowledging that they are also impoverished by rigid gender roles.

 

The report includes case studies and information on gender equality all over the world. Despite legislation that gives women rights, bringing about change is complex, Plan says. 

 

Key strategies

 

At the end of the report, Plan identifies key strategies and initiatives in an eight-point action plan dubbed Educate, Campaign, Legislate:

 

1.  Start young – preschool education should promote equality between girls 

and boys and involve parents 

2.  Transform school curricula to challenge stereotypes and acknowledge difference 

3.  Support girls’ and boys’ participation in the creation of policies to improve sex education 

4.  Make schools safe for girls and boys

5.  Launch campaigns that challenge discrimination and engage men and boys

6.  Pass laws that enable both parents to take an active part in raising their children

7.  Enforce legislation to end violence against women and girls

8.  Legislate for equal opportunities 

 

The full report may be viewed online. –KG, GMA News