Started in the year 2022, the Youth and Men initiative is a part of the Action India’s Mahila Panchayat programme. The rationale behind this program is to bring about a change in the existing patriarchal structure of the society. It aims to engage youth and adolescents in the prevention of gender-based violence in families through gender transformative interventions and encouraging them to be changemakers. This initiative rests on the beliefs that if the perpetrators of patriarchy (such as males - adolescent and adults) are engaged in the process of change, the transformation would be fast paced. Action India offers opportunities for men and boys from marginalised communities in Delhi to engage as allies and partners in furthering Gender justice and working in solidarity with the women’s rights movement. Equality in relationships and the reform of patriarchal attitudes, practices, and societal norms will benefit everyone and through this initiative, Action India has been working to advance approaches for engaging males within a gender framework from a feminist standpoint.

The programme is currently operational in 12 areas of New Delhi: South Delhi (Madangir, Khanpur), North West Delhi (Samaypur Badli, Mukundpur), North East Delhi (Kachi Khajoori, Sanjay Colony, Kalandar Colony, Sonia Camp, Chandbagh, Nand Nagri, Ajeet Nagar and Shastri Park) of New Delhi.

From 2022-24, through one-to-one discussions, parents meeting, sessions and sports, the participants have explored the multifaceted nature of adolescence, learning its various names and recognizing the distinct changes it brings. They gained a deeper understanding of the 36 types of emotions, the internal and external reproductive organs, physical and mental changes experienced by girls and boys. The youth actively participated in identifying safe and unsafe environments. The recognition of unsafe places underscored the vulnerability of women. Strategies were formulated to involve youth in creating safer surroundings. The importance of understanding Good Touch-Bad Touch was emphasized, highlighting the prevalence of incidents like molestation, fraud, murder, torture, and violence in unsafe areas. These sessions focused on various crucial aspects including GBV, gender discrimination, safe-sex, informed choice, adolescence, addressing issues related to sexuality, promoting friendliness, consent, managing attraction and rejection. Sessions were also conducted on career counselling and leadership development with the youth. They received training on drug addiction, covering types, reasons, and effects on health and crime. Positive responses and commitment to addressing addiction-related issues were observed among the leaders. Discussion sessions were conducted with men on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to educate them about domestic and external violence. Various activities were conducted while celebrating significant days such as World Menstrual Health Management Day, World Environment Day and International Women’s Day. The participants were taken to visit courts and police stations to interact with authorities so that they do not fear them but understand and show respect for the work that they do for the community.

The initiative has resulted in outcomes such as a decrease in violence against women, a shift in discriminatory gender social norms, and a shift in gender role stereotypes, with men and boys taking up domestic and caring responsibilities and supporting women in leadership and decision-making. Men have also been able to adjust to personal transformation through a wide range of emotional experiences, new attitudes, and practices. They have gained an increased awareness and sensitisation of the youth on gender norms, GBV, SRHR, leadership development, career counselling.