Project Description 
CARE NW Balkans initiated a unique program to prevent gender-based violence: to work with young men in defining for themselves how cultural norms of masculinity contribute to their equitable attitudes towards women and/or their behaviors of violence.  CARE has secured a grant from the Norwegian government to work with local youth organizations to work directly with violent young men to improve gender-equitable behavior and diminish violent behavior. This work will be accomplished by following tested interventions (in other country settings) using training and sensitization focused on exploration of gender, masculinity and personal experiences of violence.  The Western Balkan Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative is based on the hypothesis that directly addressing personal attitudes about gender equity and a broader definition of sexuality for men (“masculinity” within the Balkan context) will have positive effects on a range of cognitive, behavioral and health outcomes for both men and women.  The project will seek to answer the critical questions:  “What are the specific gender norms and expectations that contribute to violent behavior among young Balkan men, and which interventions are most effective at reducing levels of violence and increasing gender-equitable behavior?”  

1. Association for Sexual and reproductive health “XY” Sarajevo , BiH,  http://www.xy.com.ba
2. Youth Cultural Centre Juventas, Podgorica , Montenegro , http://www.sexedukacija.cg.yu
3. Yugoslav Youth Association Against AIDS – The Youth of JAZAS, Serbia , http://www.jazas.org.yu  

4. Youth Information Center – YYIC, Belgrade , Serbia ,  http://www.oic.org.yu/  

5. Croatian Association for HIV – CA HIV, Zagreb , Croatia ,   http://www.huhiv.hr/ 

6. Youth Association Perpetuum Mobile , Banja Luka , BiH,  (www under construction)

Donor
Ministry for Foreign Affairs Norway - MFA

Duration:
September 2007 – August 2008 (12 Months)