Understanding the social norms and expectations that contribute to violent behavior among young men can help shape interventions that aim to change attitudes and reduce violence.
With CARE NW Balkans, Promundo and a number of local nongovernmental and youth groups, ICRW is working in the post-conflict countries of the Western Balkans on the Young Men Initiative (YMI). This program reaches young men ages 15 - 19 through school-based activities and media campaigns that address social norms around gender and promote healthy lifestyles and prevent violence. YMI includes workshops about gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, emotional well-being, and violence and conflict resolution.
ICRW conducted formative research with young men in the community to understand prevailing attitudes about what it means to be a man. Findings were applied to inform the design of a pilot intervention, which ICRW is currently evaluating. Results from the impact evaluation will be used to influence global dialogue around youth policy and programming.