Context:
According to the global gender gap report, 2016, India ranks 141 out of 142 nations in the world that are categorized as gender critical when it comes to survival and safety of girls and women as compared to boys and men. India is home to the largest number of adolescents in the world ~243 million. 57% of Indian adolescent males ages 15-19 justify violence against women, according to UNICEF’s Global Report Card on Adolescents (2013). According to the National Crime Records Bureau report of India 2015-16, perpetration of violence against females by males is rising across India. In 2016, the number of rape cases dipped nationwide, but in Pune and Mumbai crimes against girls and women increased by 4.4%. Factors associated with increasing gender-based violence (GBV) include gender norms allowing male control over female behavior, acceptance of violence as a way to resolve conflict, the notion of masculinity linked to dominance, honor and aggression; rigid gender roles, association with peers who condone violence, male control of wealth and decision-making in the family, witnessing marital violence as a child, and alcohol use. One key issue is a lack of safe spaces in communities for young people to address concerns and access evidence-based, non-discriminatory, comprehensive information that encourages boys to question their privilege and gender roles, and to be supported to act in ways that respect women and girls’ rights, including to freedom from violence and bodily autonomy. In addition, not many civil society organizations work with boys and men to end violence against women; ECF’s survey in 2015 found that fewer than 5% of organizations working to end violence against women engage men.
Organization:
Primary Location: Maharashta
Website: http://www.ecf.org.in
Funded Since: 2016
Stay up-to-date on the latest EMpower news, highlights from our grantee partners, upcoming events, and more.
Our Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all of our Management, General and Fundraising expenses, so 100% of your donation goes directly to empowering marginalised young people.