Most religious and cultural organizations are men dominated and led. They also serve as the custodians of religious dogma and cultural beliefs that may perpetuate patriarchal notions and beliefs that are not in tandem with human rights advancements. As a strategy for eradicating patriarchy, MAIN Kenya has mainstreamed the engagement of religious, cultural leaders and their institutions in our work noting their influence on the community members and perceptions, policymakers, and duty-bearers. Religious and cultural institutions are key allies in eradicating patriarchal beliefs and attitudes that are repugnant to the well-being of boys and men.
Our interventions include but are not limited to the following:
- Co-creation of community-level interventions targeting boys and men in their institutions.
- Institutional reforms to align cultural and religious practices with human rights and the Kenya’s constitution.
- Ending religious and culturally instigated violence such as cattle rustling, tribal violence among others.
- Engaging institutional support for adoption of boys and men-friendly activities during the rite of passage in Kenya.