New Guidelines on the place of men and boys in gender equality policies and in policies to combat violence against women were adopted in June. They present a range of relevant measures which member States may take. Some of these measures focus on men and boys as agents of change, on countering resistance to gender equality, and promoting gender equality in the provision of care. Other measures aim at reducing the negative impact of sexism, social norms and gender stereotypes on men and boys. A further set are about strengthening the role of men and boys in action to prevent and combat violence against women.
 
These guidelines were developed as part of the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 which underlines that “the involvement of men and boys is critical to the achievement of gender equality”. A prior Study commissioned by the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) explored the different roles of men and boys. It provided a basis for the development of the guidelines by a Working Group composed of member States and observers to the GEC.
 
Raising awareness about the role of men and boys in gender equality policies is key. In April, in the framework of the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, a conference on the role of men and boys in gender equality policies set the pace for active engagement on the topic. The new Guidelines provide a roadmap for strengthening gender equality policies through the critical involvement of men and boys.