THE HERO EMPATHY BYSTANDER PROGRAMME FOR BOYS

The Hero Empathy Bystander Programme for boys is a behaviour-focused interactive programme. It is specifically designed to encourage boys to play a part in ending violence against women by breaking down gender-stereotypes, understanding their own masculinity and building feelings of empathy towards women and girls. The longer-term aim is to prevent abusive or violent behaviour towards women and girls.

• In long term, to prevent abusive and violent behaviour against women and girls.
• Break down gender stereotypes and develop a belief in gender equality.
• Build empathetic attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls.
• Experience what a day in the life of a women or girl feels like.
• To create a safe, fun and positive environment where everyone feels valued and welcome and where the boy’s voices are heard.
• Provide positive role models through both male and female trainers.
• Give young boys a forum to talk safely about their emotions and feelings.
• Give young boys a forum to talk safely about sexual violence against young boys and men.

By the end of the workshop, boys will be able to:

Think:

• Girls/women and boys/girls are equal
• That girls and women are also heroes and positive role models for them as boys
• All forms of abuse including sexual violence against women and children is unacceptable
• That abuse and sexual violence also affects boys
• That boys and men can show other emotions than just anger
• They can play a role in ending violence towards women and children

Feel:

• Empathy towards women and girls
• Empowered - they feel empowered, they know where to seek help and that they behave in an empowered way,
• That boys are active bystanders and part of the solution to end violence against women and girls
• Safe and heard should they wish to disclose

Do:

• Behave in a respectful, empathetic way towards women and girls
• Express a range of emotions in a positive healthy way
• Communicate in a positive and healthy way