ESCAPING HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY: THE ENGAGEMENT OF MEN IN GENDER EQUALITY ACTIVISM IN KOSOVO

Abstract

The need to confront outdated and harmful gendered stereotypes and norms is becoming increasingly important in the face of continuous efforts to achieve gender equality. This is done to support social and cultural transformation through individual attitudinal and behavioral change. Engaging men and boys is crucial to this process, especially in areas where patriarchy has regulated, defined, and protected gender norms for many years. In Kosovo, gender equality is highly associated with women and thus presents a problem for men who want to engage in it. However, a few men have escaped from hegemonic masculinities and decided to engage and promote gender equality despite the stigma that follows such a decision. This study will draw on the experiences of Kosovo men involved in gender transformative programs and explore the motivations behind such engagement. Furthermore, the study will explore various obstacles that prevent other men from getting involved, including; the sense of threat to traditional norms, the stigma of identifying as a male feminist, and misconceptions about feminism. Finally, the study will suggest the best strategies on how to overcome these obstacles and engage more men in the fight against inequalities.