On 25th August 2025, CEVAW and UNFPA co-hosted an international roundtable in Bangkok that focused on engaging men and boys as a strategy to prevent gender-based violence through Workstream 3.3, ‘Engaging Perpetrators and Bystanders’, led by Professor Patrick O’Leary.

The event, organised by Dr Freya McLachlan and Professor O’Leary, brought together a diverse group of leading practitioners and researchers from across the Indo-Pacific to explore innovative approaches to interventions for people using violence and prevention programming, best practices and challenges in strategies with men. Among experts were several key CEVAW partners including Thammasat University, UNFPA, No To Violence and the Global Survivors Fund.

Alongside co-authors, Dr McLachlan presented key insights from a recently conducted scoping review of male perpetrator interventions for domestic and family violence in the Indo-Pacific region. Through an analysis into the inclusion of interventions and the efficacy and cultural impact of innovation, vital themes of sustainability and resources were brought to the forefront of the discussion. The presentation highlighted the need for innovative approaches to receive long-term funding in order to move past the ‘pilot phase’. Moreover, the accessibility of interventions for men in regard to gender and sexual identity, culture and physical space, were recognised as emerging considerations for practitioners.

One major theme that emerged from the panel was around the limitations of Western, binary approaches to gender-based violence that concentrate on categorising and compartmentalising as opposed to dealing with the complexities of individuals’ lives. The panel discussion also centred on the theme of gender norms and masculinity, with experts advocating for more nuanced, holistic responses through explorations of engaging men and boys who do not perpetrate violence, avoiding reinforcing stereotypes, and promoting alternative masculinities. The discussion highlighted the success of all-of-family and community approaches, moving beyond punitive frameworks to enable more effective pathways for reducing violence. Reflections also established challenges present in clarifying terminology including the juxtaposition between labelling and inclusive language. Another central theme across discussions was ensuring research and practice is survivor-led and adequately integrates safety measures to make certain that we do no harm.

The roundtable in Bangkok made important advances in ensuring that men and boys are a part of the narrative in ending gender-based violence across the region. Following from the critical insights within the discussions, Dr McLachlan aims to host further workshops in Australia with local practitioners under specific research topics and focusing on different groups of men.

“The Roundtable in Bangkok last month was an incredible opportunity to hear from a diverse range of voices from across the Indo-Pacific region. We heard from leading researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders who highlighted the importance of listening to victim survivors, accountability, and engaging men where they are at in our responses to violence against women. This event was hopefully just the first of many more that will strengthen Workstream 3.3’s commitment to a research agenda informed by culture and community.”

– Dr Freya McLachlan

“The Roundtable on the 25th of August 2025, is an exciting outcome from our partnership with UNFPA. It is part of a series of initiatives to bring expertise together to add innovation to how best to engage men and boys to be part of the solution to ending gender based violence. The day was filled with vibrant discussions and explorations from an exceptional group of people with diverse experiences and knowledge. We are looking forward to the next steps of this initiative and collaborations arising from the Roundtable. Much appreciation to all the people that took part in this important event.”

– Professor Patrick O’Leary