Violence against women fact for Dec. 7

[December 07, 2013]  Zonta International seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy.

With the generosity and collective action of Zontians and friends around the world, Zonta International has supported projects in 46 countries, provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women's place in it.

The local Zonta organization wants to help raise awareness of the crime of violence against women locally and around the world by publishing 16 facts, one per day, during the 16 Days of Activism.

December 7 -- day 13

Fact 13: Engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality can have positive effects.

Research shows that the root causes of violence against women include harmful masculine norms and the acceptance of violence as a social norm. Surveys show that men and boys with more rigid views about masculinity are more likely to report having used violence against their partners. Therefore, working with men and boys on gender equality is necessary to reduce violence against women. A number of interventions that promote gender equality with men and boys show promise.

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