ABSTRACT
The Great Lakes region (GLR) of Africa has been affected by years of conflict and political instability. This has led to the breakdown in law and order and increasing impunity resulting in the escalation of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Faith leaders and communities play a crucial role in the lives of the people in this region and have a tremendous sphere of influence at all levels. The ‘Men, Faith and Masculinities’ study in DRC, Burundi and Rwanda was commissioned to understand masculinities in the above context. Key findings: strong and rigid gendered identities and roles influenced by cultural and religious beliefs; normalisation of violence as a masculine feature by men and women; dominance and control by men to demonstrate headship and use of violence to further assert; and discussion on SGBV in GLR needs to expand beyond the narrative as a feature of war. Interventions based on this study using faith-based education to debunk misinterpretations of scriptures to promote positive masculinities and gender equality with men and boys have been effective in our programming so far.
