Engaging Men and Boys for Women’s Economic Empowerment

The Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Learning Network held its third meeting focusing on the role of men and boys in advancing women’s economic empowerment. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and development professionals to explore new evidence and share strategies for more inclusive and effective programming.

Viola Asri and Charlotte Ringdal presented findings which examined interventions that engage men as spouses, peers, mentors, and community advocates. These approaches include information campaigns, participatory workshops, and the use of male role models. Their review showed mixed results: some interventions improved women’s economic outcomes, household dynamics, and psychological well-being, while others had no impact or even unintended negative consequences. Crucially, more intensive male engagement did not always translate to better outcomes. The discussion highlighted the need to tailor efforts to context and to be mindful of risks such as backlash or the diversion of resources away from women.

Olivier Sterck presented results from a randomized controlled trial in rural Tunisia involving 2,000 women. The study tested the impact of cash grants and gender-sensitive financial training, both with and without the participation of male partners. Women who received the support on their own saw gains in individual income-generating activities and monthly income. However, when male partners joined the training, these individual economic gains declined. Despite this, both groups saw improvements in household living standards, suggesting that while male involvement may benefit the household overall, it can also limit women’s economic independence. Possible explanations include reduced privacy over the grant or increased male influence over financial decisions.

Participants then engaged in group discussions to reflect on practical ways to involve men and boys in WEE programming. Shared approaches included couple-based trainings, community dialogues, and strategies for shifting norms around masculinity. The conversation underscored the importance of nuance and intentionality in designing gender-inclusive interventions.

This meeting reinforced that engaging men and boys holds potential – but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Effective programming must strike a balance between inclusion and the protection of women’s agency, with careful attention to local dynamics and power structures.