blog 9

ABAAD: Masculinities

Beirut-based ABAAD-Resource Center for Gender Equality launched a campaign they dubbed ‘masculinities’. its main role is to provide therapy and counseling to abusive men or to men with violent tendencies. its men centers were established in 2013 and received 10 men that first year, today the number is up to 140 men a year. ABAAD’s goal is to nip the problem at the root, they understand that now women are more aware of their rights but that doesn’t make a difference if the perpetrators and the patriarchal enablers in their life still do not let them participate in any decision-making process. Moreover, dealing with abuse cases judicially is very important in ABAAD’s mission, but they also understand that that would count for nothing without rehabilitation services that help change these abusive behaviors. I believe the campaign’s timing would’ve been suitable no matter what since it is always needed. The number of men keeps multiplying which is a good indicator of its impact. As for its audience, I think it is perfect and highly needed to target men. most campaigns never do when men are the patriarchal agents that uphold the status quo, so they should be targeted first and for most. as for their tactics, I feel like they are lacking, the campaign is not known at all. they could launch online hashtags or make their men centers more public offline with flyers or word of mouth. it is important that news of this initiative goes around.