Local, National, and International Strategic Programming to End Men's Violence

If we don't reach men, we won't stop violence against women. In many countries, most men have never been violent against women, but most men have remained silent about this terrible problem. In other countries, the problem is endemic.

How can government institutions, as well as non-governmental and community organizations develop comprehensive programs to involve men and boys? How do we reach men at the workplace and in the community? How do we involve boys in schools?

In this strategic planning program, Michael Kaufman draws on his experience as co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign, the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women. Each year, in over twenty-five countries, the campaign involves millions of boys and adult men in speaking out against violence.

This planning program can involve various organizations bringing everyone together or having specific sessions involving planners, civil servants, politicians educators, and representatives of women's and men's groups.

Participants will develop a framework for involving boys and men and will develop specific program proposals. We work together to develop plans, talk about resources and appropriate materials, how to reach different age groups and communities, and how to create partnerships with a wide range of organizations.

Dr. Kaufman has worked with governmental and non-governmental organizations around the world. For example, during one ten day period in Sweden, he gave talks or led day-long workshops for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Red Cross, the Stockholm police, the Leadership Academy (a private sector organization), a country-wide men's network, and the city of Gavle. He had a series of individual meetings and organizational consultation, and he helped organize the founding meeting of the Swedish White Ribbon Campaign.

On another occasion he worked with the Ministry of Women's Equality for the Government of British Columbia, Canada, in planning and co-facilitating a multi-day workshop and retreat involving women and men from a broad range of organizations with the purpose of developing new strategies to end violence against women.

He has carried out this work from Nepal to Japan, from Namibia to the United States.

He has done extensive consultations and facilitation for UNICEF, UNESCO, and other agencies of the United Nations.