Giving Compass' Take:

• GENDES is a gender and development nonprofit organization located in Mexico that helps to prevent domestic violence by connecting with boys and men on issues of gender and masculinity.

• How does open dialogue lead to domestic violence prevention?

• Read about the Ni Una Menos campaign in Latin America. 

Violence against women has only recently begun to receive attention. Given that Mexico sees seven gender-related killings every day, shining a light on these crimes is long overdue.

GENDES: Gender and Development is a Mexico City nonprofit that has fought for more than a decade for gender equality and for the elimination of violence against women. Notably, the organization’s attention has been on the roles men play in their relationships and how, through self-reflection and peer support, they can transform their perceptions of themselves and of women.

We recently had an opportunity to speak with Ricardo Ayllón, Coordinator of Methodology at GENDES, to learn more about the organization’s efforts not only to impact individual boys and men, but also to lead a national dialogue on masculinity in Mexican society, especially as it relates to violence against women and gender inequality.

What was the genesis of the work you do at GENDES?

We’ve been doing this work for over 15 years, promoting gender equality and intervening with boys, men, and communities. Our original intent was to focus on the violence men perpetrate in couples and families, but we soon realized that we would also have to look at the idea of masculinity. We look at themes of personal responsibility, men’s health, male sexuality…in essence, we are inspiring cultural change around ideas of gender and masculinity. We are particularly interested in how boys are raised and their formation into adulthood.

What is the essence of your work?

GENDES specializes in connecting with men and boys through processes of reflection, intervention, research, and advocacy. Our work emphasizes an examination of what we call “masculinities” and how they intersect with human rights. Ultimately, we want to promote and strengthen egalitarian relationships that contribute to social development and non-violent practices for men in Latin America.

Read the full article about masculinity is causing femicide in Mexico by Katherine Mancera Hispanics in Philanthropy.