How can men – in the home, workplace, community and at the national level – promote gender equality?
In his report, Mr. Annan notes that the attitudes and values of men and boys as fathers, brothers, husbands and friends, have a direct impact on the women and girls around them. Men sharing family responsibilities such as domestic work and care of children and older, disabled and sick family members, is key to promoting equality in paid employment. Men with decision-making power in economic and political life – and those who have control over public resources – can facilitate gender-sensitive policy reform. They can also support laws designed to protect women and children’s rights. Men and boys can also play a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS and violence against women. The ILO has identified steps to address gender inequality in the context of HIV/AIDS. These include providing workplace education for men and women – both separately and together – about sexuality, violence at work, family responsibilities, and reproductive health. Zero tolerance should be shown for violence and haras
