Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity: Can HeForShe Be a Solution for Gender-Based Violence?

Abstract

Aggression and violent behavior are caused by the feeling that a man has to live up to society’s expectations of masculinity which is what makes a good man, and that a man ought to be physically fit, have a large penis, protect himself, and uphold the honor of his family and peers, remain true to his convictions, partake in male-oriented activities like behavior sports and drinking, be sexually virulent, and succeed in everything he sets out to do. In order to overcome these preconceived ideas, this article provided an alternative to inculcate positive masculinity which is the HeforShe approach that supports boys and men in achieving equality by opposing negative gender norms and practices. Individuals around the world are encouraged to come together as equal partners to develop a shared vision of a society that values gender equality and to put that vision into action by putting locally suitable solutions into place. Secondary data analysis was used as the data-gathering instrument. To select suitable studies, an inclusion and exclusion criterion was followed. Only peer-reviewed journals were used and web sources and articles from non-peer-reviewed journals were excluded.

1. Introduction

When attempting to understand the causes of violence in society, it has been discovered that young males are disproportionately both offenders and victims of violence [1]. This aggression and violent behavior is caused by the feeling that a man has to live up to society’s expectations of masculinity which is what makes a good man; that is a man ought to be physically fit, have a large penis, protect himself, and uphold the honor of his family and peers, remain true to his convictions, partake in male-oriented activities like behavior sports and drinking, be sexually virulent, and succeed in everything he sets out to do. Despite the wide variety of masculinities, there is a type of hegemonic masculinity that predominates in a particular society [2]. Other meanings are marginalized by this dominant masculinity in society. Hegemonic masculinity tends to exclude nonwhites, nonheterosexuals, and working-class males, dividing the benefits of patriarchy that these masculinities can access from those that hegemonic masculinity can [3]. Misogyny, homophobia, racism, and forced heterosexuality are all consequences of hegemonic masculinities. Despite this, societal institutions such as corporate culture, governmental authority, and the media all work to perpetuate hegemonic masculinity [4]. When males try to excessively assert their masculinity to make up for their unsure gender identity, they are said to be acting in a hyper-masculine manner. This definition of masculinity emphasizes dominant males who see aggression and violence as acceptable forms of self-expression, power assertion, and conflict resolution. Hypermasculine guys should always be prepared to fight, never exhibit signs of fear or discomfort, and always project an air of authority [5]. Protest masculinity is another significant style of masculinity that should be mentioned in any context. Poor, working-class men who exhibit hyper-masculine behavior as a narcissistic manner of coping with the sense of helplessness and insecurity that results from their low-socioeconomic station in society have been characterized as exhibiting protest masculinity. When a man’s perceptions and ideals of what it means to be a man have negative effects on him and/or those around him, this is referred to as toxic masculinity. The dominance of women unites most masculinities [6], and toxic masculinity is one of the main causes of sexual and gender-based violence. Toxic masculinity is when all of the aforementioned stereotypes of men as aggressive, emotionless, and sexually violent have a negative effect on both society and the person. Overcoming these societal pressures and preconceptions that claim values and emotions are “masculine” or “feminine” could be termed positive masculinity [7]. Positive masculinity asserts that while men can be tough and competitive, they can also cry, be sympathetic, be emotionally genuine, take care of their skin, and be mindful of their mental health [8]. It is against this background that this contribution sets out to look at the causes and consequences of toxic masculinity (both for women and men themselves), and suggest an approach, that is, HeForShe movement as a tool for eliminating gender-based violence by transforming toxic masculinity into positive masculinity.

2. Methodology

Secondary data were used as a research strategy. This is usually data that have already been gathered and analyzed by another party. It is a strategy that shows there is already a public record of this information easily obtainable by using appropriate methods of research. Whenever a researcher wishes to use secondary data, they must seek a range of sources to find them. The difficulties that are commonly associated with the collecting of original data are clearly absent in this situation for the researcher. Secondary data may be both published and unpublished. Reviews, criticisms, editorials, analyses, histories, and comments are a few examples of secondary sources that are printed or electronic [9]. Doing a secondary analysis of qualitative data might be helpful for the researcher who wants to reexamine the opinions and experiences of a target audience or answer open-ended research issues [10]. Through secondary research, information on the topic at hand was obtained.

2.1 Inclusion criteria

To select suitable studies, an inclusion criterion was followed. Only peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last ten years and a select few dated back to 2009 were used to give more recent data that could illustrate the impact of toxic masculinity. Additionally, articles covering positive masculinity and the HeforShe movement published in English were used in the study.

2.2 Exclusion criteria

Web sources and articles from nonpeer-reviewed journals were excluded from the research. Also, articles published in other languages except for English and very old sources were not used for this article.

3. The causes of toxic masculinity

It has been discovered that toxic masculinity develops for a variety of reasons, including the temperament and character of the individual in question. For instance, a boy who had an abusive father as a child can opt to change from the abusive pattern to be better than his father or replicate the patterns of violence (Safer spaces). Hypermasculinity occurs in two forms, first, is when males are more inclined to want to show their manhood by sticking to stricter, more extreme exhibits of traditional masculinity when they are denied full access to patriarchal privileges because they do not conform to hegemonic ideals of masculinity. Second, males who live or associate most frequently with other men exhibit excessive conformance to traditional male role norms. In order to compete with their peers, those who spend most of their time with men tend to try to be rougher and manlier more frequently. There are several reasons why toxic masculinity exists, but only three of them will be emphasized: socialization, family structure, and shifting gender roles [11].

4. Socialization

Males are frequently socialized to believe that they should lead in every aspect of life (income, relationships, workplace relations, etc.). Even schools are promoting specific gender roles where boys do not need to be emotionally stable, implicitly subscribing to and embracing hegemonic forms of masculinity (Safer spaces). In this approach, some schools support the attitude that men are entitled to more and are more importance than women. In favor of harsh discipline and control, many schools forgo teaching emotional responsibility and discourage empathy, compassion, and nurturing behaviors. Boy conversation is discouraged by society [12]. Fathers are frequently less forgiving, less tolerant, and more unreasonable than moms at home. Discussing sex, HIV/AIDS, condom use, and other risky behaviors with their sons can be challenging for fathers as well (Safer spaces). Males frequently have narrow perspectives on instruction concerning harmful behavior, as well as on introspection and societal reflection. Boys have been socialized to believe that they should not be punished for misbehavior and that they do not often have to take responsibility for their conduct. Girls are trained from a young age to “act like a lady” when they do something wrong, while when males are at fault, they are told “boys will be boys.” Boys are socialized to believe in their own superiority not only in schools and at home but also through peer pressure, media, military influences, and political influences, all of which lead to the belief that violence is acceptable behavior in men (Safer spaces).

5. Dysfunctional family situation

The idea of family has always been a significant subject in philosophical discussions, and the most prevalent idea that comes to mind when considering the family structure is that of the “nuclear family.” This family unit consists of two parents of opposing sexes and their offspring. It has been portrayed in this manner ever since the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries since it was crucial for the spread of the white Western worldview throughout the expansion of colonialism [13]. The way that families are portrayed has started to alter in the twenty-first century and an increasing number of people who reject these conventional ideals are being represented. Because of “shifts in the roles of fathers, mothers, and the increasing emphasis on children’s television programming” and “changing demographics,” families are more diverse than ever before, and customers are represented by real families that can be found in today’s society [14]. Even though the definition may have shifted from what it used to be, some families are dysfunctional, and this can be seen by the revealing patterns of conduct rather than by any physical traits. One is that tough laws are usually upheld. Laws do not challenge the status quo, do not feel your emotions, and do not ask questions are a few examples. These strict family rules, which are undoubtedly unhealthy, might make vulnerable family members feel abandoned or unsupported emotionally [15]. The child’s family life may later have a negative impact on all facets of their development. Growing up in a dysfunctional environment could make it tough to transition into adulthood, lose jobs frequently, and have inadequate boundaries in relationships. Families mired in a cycle of dysfunction frequently deal with severe abusive problems such as drug and alcohol misuse, domestic abuse, physical and sexual assault, and emotional abuse. Children can become poisonous in this kind of setting, and regrettably, family issues never go away [16]. The dysfunctional cycle often continues throughout the lives and households of the children of dysfunctional families. In pathological families, at least one parent engages in drug or alcohol misuse or has a mental disease, rendering them dysfunctional and damaged. A child of an alcoholic or an abusive parent is more likely to experience unmet basic physical and emotional needs. In these families, the roles are typically reversed [17]. Because their dysfunctional parents are unable to manage their daily lives, children become more responsible for them. A dictator parent who disregards the desires or sentiments of the other family members rules a dominant-submissive household. While being demanding, the dominant parent offers little in the way of affection, assistance, or constructive criticism. The children frequently experience harsh repercussions for their errors and failings, such as scolding and spanking. There are no middle-ground rules in this kind of home; it is either the parents’ way or the highway [18]. Arguments and conflicts are commonplace in a household that experiences frequent conflict. Families frequently quarrel in hurtful ways that leave wounds open and foster a climate of severe antagonism. Conflicts, arguments, fighting, resentment, and stress result from poor communication and an inability to handle difficulties, which wreak havoc in the household. Some homes are chaotic; the only thing that never changes is chaos. Parents constantly come and go, and there are no set family rules or expectations (moving in and moving out of the home or being incarcerated). When they are present, either their parenting abilities are poor, or they are damaging the kids. Children frequently suffer from abuse, neglect, or both [19]. In some households, children are not exposed to warm displays of affection from their parents. Families like these avoid discussing feelings. Normally, parents are emotionally unavailable, cold, and aloof. Children are taught to suppress their own feelings. Children develop low self-esteem and emotions of unworthiness due to the lack of emotional and physical affection. Social or cultural background is frequently linked to these kinds of dysfunctional households. This dysfunctional type can be the least obvious and least researched [20].

6. Mental health

The traditional parental or guardian roles are frequent where toxic masculinity is developed, and if it is not addressed, it can be passed down from one generation to the next [21]. It is important to address how masculinity continues to exacerbate mental health issues despite efforts by society to eradicate harmful stereotypes and preconceptions about gender-defined thinking. A toxic masculinity mentality holds that asking for help or direction might make one appear weak. It also involves a mentality that ignores psychological distress because admitting to stress can come off as a weakness [22]. When emotions are disregarded frequently, a person learns to completely shun them. They also learn to hold their emotions inside rather than express them, which leads to internalized discomfort. Long-term melancholy is likely to result in depression and inappropriate emotional expression [23]. Exaggerated self-sufficiency brought on by toxic masculinity can also cause a host of mental health issues, particularly when it comes to social interaction. Men’s capacity for interdependence in intimate relationships now is impacted by the historical sexist dynamic that emerged from traditional relationship norms. This could seem as unhealthily dominating behavior in interpersonal relationships, showing signs of narcissism or other personality disorders. When dysfunctional masculinity is not treated, this may manifest as violence and hostility [24].

7. Shifting gender roles

The notion of leadership that males have inherited is, however, under threat from several social, economic, and political changes that have taken place during the past fifty years. These modifications consist of the liberation and empowerment of both men and women who are thought to exhibit nonhegemonic masculinities. Young men today are caught between what they have learned from their parents, guardians, and societal role models about what it means to be a man and the shifts in gender relations that are taking place in today’s society (Safer spaces). This is particularly common when it comes to income and status as the primary provider. Employment and earning money are essential components of manhood because they meet both tangible necessities and sentiments of self-worth [25]. When women and men with nonhegemonic masculinities replace men with hegemonic masculinities as the primary breadwinners in societies where unemployment is high, wages are low, and there are few possibilities to fulfill the obligations of masculinity, this can cause resentment. Salary work and wealth can be utilized to maintain the subjugation of women to men according to several masculine ideologies. Due to this, nations with high rates of unemployment and income inequality are probably more likely to experience excessive male aggression and toxic masculinity [26].

8. The hazardous effects of masculinity

Traditional masculinities are implicated in a variety of damaging impacts on men’s lives and the lives of others [27]. Here are some examples:

8.1 Overcompensation by engaging in dangerous behavior

Males that exhibit toxic masculinity frequently avoid acting in any way that could be viewed as feminine because they are afraid of femininity. Because being gay is often associated with being feminine, this concern is frequently expressed as homophobia. If men are terrified of being viewed as gay, they may overcompensate in order to demonstrate that they are, in fact, straight [28]. They become bold and aggressive. They do not back down if their dignity or manhood is violated. They do not tolerate insults to their partners or their mothers [29]. Kroeper et al. [30] assert that these men exhibiting masculinity believe in obligatory heterosexuality, in which the compulsion to have sex frequently serves as a means of affirming one’s manhood, resulting in risky behavior. When compared to their less traditional friends, men who hold more conventional views of masculinity report greater rates of unsafe sexual behavior, binge drinking, and car accidents.

8.2 Competitiveness because of scarce resources

In the situation of low resources, male fragility is heightened. In a study by Falk [31], on why men end up emasculated, she discovered that many males are angry at women for anything they perceive to be emasculating, such as women becoming breadwinners or getting promoted ahead of them at work. These social changes brought about by women’s empowerment and persistent “invasion” into traditionally male sectors have resulted in what scholars refer to as “threatened masculinity” [32]. Men began to worry more and more about their physical appearance at this point because the male physique and muscularity were among the last remaining symbols of masculinity. As a result, among adolescent boys, support for traditional masculine values is frequently linked to a desire for a bigger, more muscular body [33]. Men who experience body image issues frequently experience depression, low self-esteem, poor weight management, steroid use, and a host of other detrimental effects. Yet there is also competitiveness among males, and it is frequently encouraged [34]. Males are frequently exhorted to pursue domination, power, riches, and success. This competition is typically held in an effort to “win” resources and women. Normal expectations of manhood include the pressure to compete and win; failing to do so will make you appear cowardly [35]. As a result, Matlon [36] argues that dominant masculine notions of urbanity are idealized, with several sexual partners and overt economic power as defining traits. Hegemonic masculinity is shaped by the idea of “the player,” a man with money and a woman who positions men in society. Women must be dehumanized in order for men to attain this status and maintain and restore their superiority [37].

8.3 Ineffective dispute resolution techniques

Traditional masculine adolescent boys are less adept at handling conflict, and their approaches are typically marked by high levels of anger, withdrawal, denial avoidance, and minimal concern for other people’s needs [38]. In comparison to girls, they are also more likely to get into disputes over status and power. They prefer to steer clear of approaches to dispute resolution that are seen as feminine. Toughness, dominance, and a readiness to use violence to settle disputes with others are viewed as essential components of the masculine identity (Safer spaces). Boys participate in more delinquent behavior than girls due to the internalization of masculinity that frequently occurs during puberty. This internalization frequently persists throughout adulthood, when males are expected to be strong, independent, in control, emotionless, and show no signs of vulnerability [39]. For “genuine” men, seeking assistance or guidance for pain symptoms or mental discomfort is seen as a show of weakness. So it should come as no surprise that males are very hesitant to seek medical care or consult a therapist [40]. Men who have internalized the concept of masculinity consider themselves as the providers for their wives and children, believing that they are not to be dependent on others or cared for by others. In other words, boys and men typically have very inadequate coping mechanisms for addressing tension and conflict inside themselves as well as between themselves and others without resorting to violence [41].

8.4 Domestic abuse and power dynamics

According to Schuler et al. [42], women are frequently seen as excessively powerful and unreliable by males because they have been socialized to believe that the leadership mantle belongs exclusively to them. Many males feel alienated and powerless in sexual interactions as a result of the liberty and empowerment of women. Together with societal changes, unemployment, poverty, and low self-esteem, this perceived disempowerment of men has given rise to dominant masculinities marked by extensive sexual networks, and in some extreme cases, the need to exert more control over women [43]. According to research, Shai et al. [44] assert that males always make the decisions about when, where, and how to have sex as well as whether or not a woman should try for a baby and whether or not condoms will be used. Because of men’s demand for control, many women are unable to protect themselves from STDs, pregnancy, and unwanted sexual advances. Men are in charge of condom use, which implies that they decide on safer sexual behavior and have a big impact on both partners’ risk of contracting HIV. de Shong [45] adds that males frequently utilize the perception of women’s alleged incapacity to self-regulate as a justification for using different forms of control, coercion, and violence. In this regard, de Shong [45] states that male’s continuous controlling of women’s movements is sometimes seen as defending the physical safety and reputation of women, lest they become known as “Jezebels” and “street women.” Violence and control are strategies to thwart and punish opportunities for infidelity since it is seen as emasculating. Maleness is associated with the public sphere, while femininity is associated with the private sphere. Indoctrination into a patriarchal culture has contributed to the socialization of gendered ideas of male authority and control, where violence is employed to affirm masculinity. Under this system, men are taught to be domineering and aggressive, and women are taught to be victimized and subservient [46].

8.5 Sexual assault

According to Jaffe et al. [47], relationships frequently involve rape and assault. This is a result of the previously mentioned uneven power relationships between men and women. Many people have highlighted the connections between toxic masculinity and rape as being brought on, among other things, by men’s thirst for dominance, power, and misogyny by punishing women for emasculating them [48]. Norman Kujat [49] brings another important dimension when he states that as a result of toxic masculinity, male rape is frequently rejected and ignored in society. Because fragility is built into gendered conceptions of femininity, male rape is largely unreported. Because being the victim of rape is seen as a show of femininity and undermines a male’s claim to being a man, many male rape victims are too ashamed to report their rapes [50]. This violence promotes the perpetrator’s masculinity while denying the victims. The overwhelming stigma and guilt that prevents most victims from seeking help are mostly caused by the sensation of destroyed masculinity and imposed “womanhood” [51]. In jails, the distinction between homosexuality and male rape is blurred, and instead, it becomes a matter of power and rivalry. Because of this, male-on-male intercourse is most prevalent in jails, yet most inmates nevertheless maintain a fundamentally homophobic mindset. Prison “masculinity” is associated with the ability to use specific forms of violence and the ability to withstand them, as well as the idea that once manhood is gone, it can be reclaimed through violence [52]. When inmates who are treated as “women” in jail want to be promoted back to being men, they frequently must stab another prisoner. Male victims may engage in violent compensatory behavior as a result, both inside and outside of prisons. When freed, they frequently explode in fury, trying to regain their manhood by raping again [53].

8.6 Positive masculinity

Positive masculinity is a perspective that has utilized the engagement of men and boys to help the larger movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE). Gender transformational approaches have increasingly sought to question and understand males and masculinities, as well as analyze the experiences, attitudes, duties, and responsibilities of men and boys, and how they influence behavior, societal norms, policymaking, and gender equality in general. Positive masculinity has been demonstrated to be critical in eradicating all sorts of violence and prejudice against women and girls [54]. Positive masculinities, on the other hand, provide a critical perspective through which to transform masculinities in ways that promote healthy, peaceful, individual, and social well-being for all [54]. It allows men to appreciate their physical bodies rather than comparing them to the media’s portrayal of muscularity and sex appeal. Respect women with dignity. Utilize their masculinity to advocate for women and others. Make and keep friendships. Demonstrate to people that you are emotionally expressive and available to both males and girls. Recognize that rage is not an excuse for violence or abuse. Feel and enjoy touch and tenderness from other males. Instead of destroying and damaging, create and build. Positive masculinity entails males being open and honest about their feelings and desires. It also entails men treating others with kindness and respect rather than utilizing their might to dominate or mistreat them [55].

8.7 HeforShe approach

HeForShe is a social movement project that gives men and boys a systematic approach and targeted platform through which they may influence change in the direction of the realization of gender equality. A comprehensive strategy that acknowledges men and boys as allies in the fight for women’s rights as well as how they stand to profit from greater equality is necessary, according to UN Women, in order to achieve gender equality (HeforShe). The campaign was launched in 2014 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, who rallied hundreds of thousands of individuals to support it, including celebrities Matt Damon and Barack Obama. At the start of the campaign, UN Women made a call to organize the first 100,000 men, a goal that was accomplished in just three days! HeForShe, which is now four years old, has received almost 1.3 billion promises, a statistic that is continually growing. In the United States alone, 141,000 promises have been made, with men making the vast majority of them (HeforShe). “Accelerate women’s economic development, enhance women’s participation in peacekeeping and security processes, increase women’s political engagement and leadership, and eradicate gender-based violence,” are the movement’s four main objectives (HeforShe). In the fall of 2015, HeForShe launched IMPACT 10X10X10 after seeing success in its first year. The HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 program, which aims to drive change from the top down, involves influential decision-makers from governments, corporations, and academic institutions throughout the globe. The IMPACT Champions, who have developed three bold, paradigm-shifting promises to advance and achieve gender equality for all, are putting the HeForShe concept into action. The UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, which stands for gender equality, are furthered by taking the HeForShe pledge. The SDGs, which went into effect throughout the UN system in 2015, were derived from the Millennium Development Goals, a series of eight worldwide development goals that were in force between 2000 and 2015 which put a focus on three areas: human capital, infrastructure, and human rights. Comparatively, each of the 17 SDGs maintains a list of 169 targets, making them comprehensive and interrelated. Both social and economic development issues are addressed by these aims. SDG 5 places gender equality at the forefront of this new UN development strategy by interspersing the other 16 goals with multiple improved gender equality targets (HeforShe). UN Women has given Goal 5 high commendation for addressing fundamental barriers to gender equality and women’s empowerment. We cannot build the world that women and girls need by continuing on as we have been or by making incremental improvements. Only drastic and fearless changes will do (HeforShe).

9. Contexts where HeforShe has had a positive impact

Heforshe has had a positive effect in some contexts, below is an example of two of those contexts.

9.1 HeforShe in Lesotho

HeforShe takes the shape of males banding together to launch replies against GBV at their places of employment as well as Institutions of Higher learning, as was previously stated. There are numerous instances of conferences organized by the larger group to confront the plague and to recruit males to aid in its eradication. Lesotho’s Symposium of Traditional Leaders and Religious Leaders was held on June 30, 2022, at Maseru’s Lehakoe Recreational Complex, with the purpose of fostering a rich and dynamic working partnership between the Principal Chiefs and Faith Leaders. The symposium was organized with the assistance of “Man Up Lesotho,” a nonprofit organization that mobilizes men to address HIV susceptibility and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). The “Man Up” initiative encourages men to reconsider their positions in society as partners, protectors, and not perpetrators. Traditional leaders are active as protectors of culture and the fabric of Basotho heritage because it touches on the core values of manhood in society. The initiative has created a space for men, particularly men of influence (religious and traditional leaders), to discuss their experiences. These programs include giving immediate and long-term care help to victims of violence (HeforShe, Lesotho). These also include measures to address societal and cultural norms, gender imbalance systems, and general acceptance of VAWG. Throughout the one-day symposium, guests had the opportunity to reflect through participatory lectures on their own concerns and experiences from their time in the office. These conversations called into question the way things were done as well as the damaging attitudes and behaviors. This made it easier to focus on analyzing, sharing, and increasing understanding about core teachings, practices, and hence lessons learned from grassroots people. According to the symposium’s conclusions, GBV is encouraged by unfavorable social norms that stress men’s honor over women’s safety, prioritize men’s ability to discipline both women and children, and elevate women’s sexual purity above all else. The team sought to work with traditional leaders to develop laws that would challenge harmful social mores and individual viewpoints that support and condone sexual assault and other forms of GBV against women and girls in Lesotho (HeforShe, Lesotho).

9.2 HeforShe in Brazil

For Brazil to attain gender equality, it was important to remove the obstacles that continue to place women at a disadvantage in all areas of society. In Brazil, systems of violence and discrimination against women coexist alongside laws improving women’s rights. Since the 1980s, Brazilian colleges have been doing studies on violence against women, and the results have helped create municipal and national legislation to address the problem. Due to allegations of sexual assault on the university campuses, universities have recently begun to recognize gender-based violence in the classroom. The invitation from USP to participate in the HeForShe Champions program contributed to creating the most favorable conditions for addressing all forms of violations of women’s rights [56, 57, 58]. The initial priority of HeForShe was to overcome the stigma attached to violence and the anxiety of being exposed. Both inside the university and in the greater community, they implemented several parallel tactics. In addition to holding lectures on the challenges USP confronts in addressing violence against women and the Maria da Penha Law on Domestic and Family Violence, 5000 copies of the Gender Violence in the University booklet were distributed. They participated in 15 activities, some of which were featured in the USP Newspaper, both inside and outside the university. In addition, 33 regional human rights commissions were mapped along with the procedures for establishing and running them. A total of 30 media interviews were also done. They organized working groups, trained members of the committee against gender violence, and established a center at USP for the care of victims of gender-based violence. The university’s Code of Ethics was revised, and appropriate sanctions were discussed in addition to methods for dealing with victims of abuse in residence halls. The university’s zero-violence policy is overseen by the president’s office and is discussed during first-year student orientation, at University Council meetings, and through videos [56]. They supported a variety of programs at the university, including those in the Sociology Department, the Women’s Office, the Information Technology Office, student organizations, and research initiatives like our successful “Interactions at USP” study. HeforShe conducted an online poll that was accessible to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at USP in 2017; 13,377 out of 78,984 participants, or 17% of the student body, responded. The survey contained 45 questions concerning demographics and 75 questions about students’ experiences at USP, including violence, physical and mental health problems, and other encounters. The poll also included important information on gender- and race-based human rights violations. The results show how serious the issue is at the university and how urgently more targeted, effective action has to be taken [56]. New protocols and practices were created in response to the findings. HeforShe made decisions for the subsequent stages of their journey using information from the “Social Interactions at USP” study and assistance from human rights commissions at universities and other institutions. In addition to creating service centers focused on the welfare of students, they increased the number of Human Rights Commissions for the 42 USP faculties and institutes. They also established service standards and protocols for the training of professionals who work with students. Men’s involvement in the effort to end violence against women is still a delicate topic. The HeForShe movement at the university has expanded as a result of the President, Pro-Rectors, and male lecturers’ involvement as HeForShe Champions. The HeforShe movement, which is supported by the university’s male officials who are also Champions of HeforShe, is challenging the institution’s male domination, which is supported by patriarchal principles [56].

10. Conclusion

Young men typically cite violence as an important tactic they use to establish their control and show their masculinity in their society. Males are believed to have a certain behavioral standard, perpetuated by masculine ideas enforced by stereotypes. As a result of preconceived notions about what makes a good man; they think a man should be physically fit, have a large penis, protect, and uphold the honor of his family and peers, remain true to his convictions, partake in male-oriented activities like behavior sports and drinking, be sexually virulent, and succeed in everything he sets out to do. A conclusion could therefore be drawn that the HeforShe approach could be used which supports boys and men in achieving equality by opposing negative gender norms and practices. Individuals around the world would be encouraged to come together as equal partners to develop a shared vision of a society that values gender equality and to put that vision into action by putting locally suitable solutions into place. The approach will automatically inculcate positive masculinity, which deems that while men can be tough and competitive, they can also cry, be sympathetic, be emotionally genuine, take care of their skin, and be mindful of their mental health.