1. Monjane, V; Langa, J; Pinho, MD; and Duke, ME.
sustain violence while building skills to manage anger
and break the cycle of violence
Deconstructing gender and traditional norms that
Conversa de Homens (CH) -
Conversations Among Men
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
nTo promote changes in behavior and
attitudes based on the principle of gen-
der equality
nTo encourage men to reflect on the fac-
tors that contribute to gender-based
violence
nTo develop skills that help men to stop
using violence and, therefore, break the
cycle of violence
nTo shift attitudes in support of the
movement to end GBV OUTPUTS ACHIEVED
MOÇAMBICANOS E AMERICANOS
JUNTOS NA LUTA CONTRA O HIV/SIDA
PEPFAR
Prevenção Activa e Comunicação para Todos
EMPRES RIOSCONTRASIDA
TUBERCULOSE E MAL RIA
Total men districtreached by
Total number of participants
Provinces reached by CH
Using Conversation to Nurture Good Relationships
between Couples in Mozambique
Life for Cecilia Eduado Dete and her son, Mario, used to be very
difficult. Her husband, Adelino Guambe, would drink heavily,
stay away from home for days at a time and fight with her when
he was around. "I had to ask him [Adelino] for money to go to
the market. I was not allowed to buy anything on my own,"
Cecilia explains. "If I said anything to him, the fighting would
begin."
Things began to change for Cecilia, Mario and Adelino when
they learned about Conversa de Homens (Conversations
among Men), a program implemented under the PACTO (Ac-
tive Prevention and Communication for All) project run by the
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for
Communication Programs (JHU•CCP) and funded by PEPFAR
and USAID's Gender Based Violence Initiative in Mozambique.
"I learned from other men that the way I was living was not
good," said Adelino about his experience in Conversa de
Homens. "I felt alone. I saw that I was living a life of my own that
did not help anyone. I learned that there are many things a man
can do at home and still be a man."
"There are no more fights here at home. He no longer drinks the
way he used to. When I ask him for anything for the house, he
doesn't refuse. We talk about everything here at home," Cecilia
describes enthusiastically.
CHANGE CAN HAPPEN
CHANGINGMEN
"Thanks to this program, I learned that our culture contributes a
lot to inequalities between men and women and raises many
differences that do not make us grow. In my house there is no
more confusion [domestic violence]." (45 years old man, parti-
cipant, Manhica)
"Here, our lives rely on tradition. If we hear something that goes
against our tradition, it creates confusion. But I liked the session
that talks about how we men can help our wife with household
chores. I like that idea because no woman can endure all the
work alone." ( 19 year old, group of youngsters; Malhehice com-
munity)
I’ve learned a lot about and I practice at home the men's conver-
sation lessons. I’ve learned to take care of myself and of my own
health; when I was a child I was taught that man feels no pain
and does not get sick. But now I see that what we learned from
our tradition can also change and, trough that, we can make
difference.'' (facilitator, Xhinavane)
"We already have this program for us men, now we are asking
you to have a program for women too. After all these discussion
sessions we are changing as men. But, when we get home and
we try to do things differently, sometimes the wife won’t
accept." (Elias, 38, Xai Xai participant).
“In the beginning there was contradiction… anything new in life
always causes contradiction. But then I saw that this program
helps me live better with my wife." (27 year old male partici-
pant, Chibuto)
CONCLUSION
Maputo
Gaza
Inhambane
Manica
Sofala
Zambezia
Nampula
Tete
Niassa
Cabo
Delgado
RESULTS
In a survey conducted, respondents reported noticeable
changes in participants' behavior. CH Participants have dem-
onstrated greater involvement in household chores, reduced
their alcohol consumption and have been more understanding,
supportive and patient with their partners. At least 30.8% of
respondents in an independent research study reported
changes in terms of increased space for dialogue in the rela-
tionship; 21.5% reported improved family harmony and 16.9%
reported greater participation in house chores as well as more
respect between men and women. The participation in the CH
groups improved the ability of men and women.
BACKGROUND
Under the USAID-funded project, Active Prevention and Communication for All
(PACTO), the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) in
partnership with the Community Development Foundation (FDC) and the Men
For Change Network (HOPEM), developed an innovative approach to conduct
men-to-men discussions in communities and the workplace. As a result,
Conversa de Homens - Conversations with Men (CH), was established in several
communities in Southern Mozambique. PACTO addresses gender-based atti-
tudes and behavior that increase the spread of HIV, therefore, the PACTO tools
seek to transform gender norms and promote male involvement in HIV preven-
tion. The project also uses a number of approaches to engage communities and
leaders in collective dialogue and problem solving.
INTERVENTION
Developed in close collaboration with HOPEM, CH is a
community-based program consisting of debates and
discussion groups. Led by trained male facilitators, CH
aims to engage adult men in discussions that analyze
the determinants of GBV and the link between
HIV/AIDS and GBV, and offers strategies to break the
cycle of violence, as well as develop practical skills to
reverse violent behaviors. CH also provides informa-
tion on assistance and referrals for post-GBV services.
The CH tool consists of a series of eight participatory
sessions designed for groups of 25 to 30 adult men,
lasting an average of 2½ hours each. Each session in-
cludes five supplemental activities in line with the
Conversa de Homens Manual. In addition to the com-
munity setting, CH has been conducted within the pri-
vate sector at Xinavane Sugar Refinery where 60 % of
the workforce is men.
BENEFICIARIES
Adult men between the ages 18 to 60 years old from
six districts in two provinces of Southern Mozambique:
Gaza Province: Chibuto, Chockwe, and Xai Xai districts
and Maputo Province: Manhiça and Matola districts.
WORKPLACE SEXUAL
HARASSMENT CAMPAIGN
Theater, dance and music are common and culturally signifi-
cant ways to discuss issues in communities across
Mozambique. In this spirit, theater was the main conduit for
a Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Campaign for
employees of the Xinavane Sugar Refinery.
The campaign, which ran for six weeks during August and
September 2013, was also made possible through funds
PACTO has received through the Gender Based Violence
Initiative, and was carried out by 15 members, including five
facilitators of Conversation with Mentool of the Refinery's
theater group, who were trained to present theatrical
sketches on this topic.
The Campaign reached nearly 6,000 people - more than half
of the Refinery's employees in Mozambique's Southern prov-
ince of Maputo. For members of the theater group, it was
difficult talking about harassment so openly. Likewise, during
the training many group members realized they had already
known of harassment cases, but did not know how to address
them.
Despite initial difficulties with the theater group talking about
harassment in the workplace, the members stayed motivated.
"We received applause from our fellow employees and we
were encouraged to continue to make changes in our minds
and in our lives." (23 year old, youth group member)
“I suffered a lot, but never talked with anyone. The campaign
was very helpful. I want to encourage other people not to
accept harassment. Now I know no one can make me do what
I do not want to do." (38 years old woman, office assistant).
The participation in the CH groups improved the ability of men in taking
care of their own, their partner's and their family's health. These conversa-
tions created opportunities for changes in gender roles among male adults
and helped them to realize the importance of dialogue among couples. A
rigorous selection, training and supervision of community facilitators along
with a great involvement of community leaders have been instrumental in the
implementation of CH. The PACTO implementation model allowed for rapid
replication, therefore, in 18 months CH reached more than 5,000 men.
WORKPLACE SEXUAL
HARASSMENT CAMPAIGN
Theater, dance and music are common and culturally signifi-
cant ways to discuss issues in communities across
Mozambique. In this spirit, theater was the main conduit for
a Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Campaign for
employees of the Xinavane Sugar Refinery.
The campaign, which ran for six weeks during August and
September 2013, was also made possible through funds
PACTO has received through the Gender Based Violence
Initiative, and was carried out by 15 members, including five
facilitators of Conversation with Mentool of the Refinery's
theater group, who were trained to present theatrical
sketches on this topic.
The Campaign reached nearly 6,000 people - more than half
of the Refinery's employees in Mozambique's Southern prov-
ince of Maputo. For members of the theater group, it was
difficult talking about harassment so openly. Likewise, during
the training many group members realized they had already
known of harassment cases, but did not know how to address
them.
Despite initial difficulties with the theater group talking about
harassment in the workplace, the members stayed motivated.
"We received applause from our fellow employees and we
were encouraged to continue to make changes in our minds
and in our lives." (23 year old, youth group member)
“I suffered a lot, but never talked with anyone. The campaign
was very helpful. I want to encourage other people not to
accept harassment. Now I know no one can make me do what
I do not want to do." (38 years old woman, office assistant).
CONCLUSION The participation in the CH groups improved the ability of men in taking
care of their own, their partner's and their family's health. These conversa-
tions created opportunities for changes in gender roles among male adults
and helped them to realize the importance of dialogue among couples. A
rigorous selection, training and supervision of community facilitators along
with a great involvement of community leaders have been instrumental in the
implementation of CH. The PACTO implementation model allowed for rapid
replication, therefore, in 18 months CH reached more than 8,000 men.
Using Conversation to Nurture Good Relationships
between Couples in Mozambique
Life for Cecilia Eduado Dete and her son, Mario, used to be very
difficult. Her husband, Adelino Guambe, would drink heavily,
stay away from home for days at a time and fight with her when
he was around. "I had to ask him [Adelino] for money to go to
the market. I was not allowed to buy anything on my own,"
Cecilia explains. "If I said anything to him, the fighting would
begin."
Things began to change for Cecilia, Mario and Adelino when
they learned about Conversa de Homens (Conversations
among Men), a program implemented under the PACTO (Ac-
tive Prevention and Communication for All) project run by the
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for
Communication Programs (JHU•CCP) and funded by PEPFAR
and USAID's Gender Based Violence Initiative in Mozambique.
"I learned from other men that the way I was living was not
good," said Adelino about his experience in Conversa de
Homens. "I felt alone. I saw that I was living a life of my own that
did not help anyone. I learned that there are many things a man
can do at home and still be a man."
"There are no more fights here at home. He no longer drinks the
way he used to. When I ask him for anything for the house, he
doesn't refuse. We talk about everything here at home," Cecilia
describes enthusiastically.
WORKPLACE SEXUAL
HARASSMENT CAMPAIGN
Theater, dance and music are common and culturally signifi-
cant ways to discuss issues in communities across
Mozambique. In this spirit, theater was the main conduit for
a Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Campaign for
employees of the Xinavane Sugar Refinery.
The campaign, which ran for six weeks during August and
September 2013, was also made possible through funds
PACTO has received through the Gender Based Violence
Initiative, and was carried out by 15 members, including five
facilitators of Conversation with Mentool of the Refinery's
theater group, who were trained to present theatrical
sketches on this topic.
The Campaign reached nearly 6,000 people - more than half
of the Refinery's employees in Mozambique's Southern prov-
ince of Maputo. For members of the theater group, it was
difficult talking about harassment so openly. Likewise, during
the training many group members realized they had already
known of harassment cases, but did not know how to address
them.
Despite initial difficulties with the theater group talking about
harassment in the workplace, the members stayed motivated.
"We received applause from our fellow employees and we
were encouraged to continue to make changes in our minds
and in our lives." (23 year old, youth group member)
“I suffered a lot, but never talked with anyone. The campaign
was very helpful. I want to encourage other people not to
accept harassment. Now I know no one can make me do what
I do not want to do." (38 years old woman, office assistant).
CONCLUSION The participation in the CH groups improved the ability of men in taking
care of their own, their partner's and their family's health. These conversa-
tions created opportunities for changes in gender roles among male adults
and helped them to realize the importance of dialogue among couples. A
rigorous selection, training and supervision of community facilitators along
with a great involvement of community leaders have been instrumental in the
implementation of CH. The PACTO implementation model allowed for rapid
replication, therefore, in 18 months CH reached more than 8,000 men.
CONCLUSION The participation in the CH groups improved the ability of men in taking
care of their own, their partner's and their family's health. These conversa-
tions created opportunities for changes in gender roles among male adults
and helped them to realize the importance of dialogue among couples. A
rigorous selection, training and supervision of community facilitators along
with a great involvement of community leaders have been instrumental in the
implementation of CH. The PACTO implementation model allowed for rapid
replication, therefore, in 18 months CH reached more than 8,000 men.
CHANGE CAN HAPPEN