The Role of Men in Preventing Gender-Based Violence against Women: A Case of Babati District.

Mbuya, Upendo Alex (2025) The Role of Men in Preventing Gender-Based Violence against Women: A Case of Babati District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a persistent and deeply rooted challenge in Tanzanian society, with women and girls disproportionately affected. While significant attention has been given to empowering women and protecting victims, less emphasis has been placed on understanding and engaging men as potential allies in prevention efforts. This study sought to explore the role of men in preventing gender-based violence against women in Babati District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to examine men’s perceptions of GBV, assess the effectiveness of community-based programs that involve men in GBV prevention, and investigate the barriers men face in participating in such efforts. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through 20 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with men and women from diverse social and professional backgrounds. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory, Feminist Theory, and the Ecological Framework, which provided a multidimensional understanding of the individual, social, and structural factors shaping male behavior and attitudes toward GBV. Findings revealed a wide variation in men’s perceptions of GBV—ranging from progressive understandings to deeply entrenched patriarchal views. Community-based programs such as faith-led teachings, youth clubs, and peer dialogues were found to be effective in promoting change, particularly when they were participatory, locally rooted, and emotionally engaging. However, barriers such as peer pressure, cultural norms, fear of emasculation, economic hardship, and limited rural outreach significantly hindered male participation in GBV prevention initiatives. The study concludes that while men have the potential to play transformative roles in ending GBV, their engagement must be strategically cultivated through sustained, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed interventions. It recommends that GBV prevention efforts integrate male emotional support, economic empowerment, and community recognition to dismantle harmful masculinities and foster inclusive social change. The findings offer valuable insights for social workers, policymakers, and civil society actors committed to building a gender-equitable and violence-free society. Keywords: Gender-based violence, men’s engagement, masculinity, prevention, community-based programs, Babati District, Tanzania.

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