Masculinity-Conscious Municipal Policies

Masculinity-Conscious Municipal Policy – toolkit launch

Aspiring for gender equality is a conceptual framework and a concrete applicable tool for the development of municipal resilience, social stability, community wellbeing and health. The achievements in advancing gender equality are rooted in women’s long-standing struggle for equal rights and opportunities. At the same time, there is growing recognition that meaningful progress toward gender equality also requires engaging men and addressing the needs of men and boys in a conscious and constructive way.

The Masculinity-Conscious Municipal Policy initiative presents strategies for developing municipal policies that promote gender equality through a gender-sensitive and masculinity-conscious approach. 

Grounded in a life-cycle perspective, the initiative examines the experiences of men across different stages of life and social contexts, identifying six key areas of action: education; social services; medicine and health; employment; parenting and family; culture, leisure, and personal empowerment. For each of these fields, the initiative offers practical tools for policy implementation, accompanied by examples and best practices from around the world. 

By integrating masculinity-conscious approaches into municipal governance, communities can strengthen resilience, foster a greater sense of safety and security, and contribute to the prevention of violence.

In mid-June, hbs’s partners at Hameorer association launched, in collaboration with the hbs team at the Tel Aviv office, a toolkit publication and online mini-site focusing on the topic. The project is an invitation to expand the conversation and join a growing movement that advances gender equality through responses tailored to the specific needs of local communities. In today’s social reality, a municipal strategy grounded in masculinity consciousness is not only relevant but necessary for building stronger, healthier, and more equitable societies.

The Masculinity-Conscious Municipal Policy project is a step further in the strategic hbs Tel Aviv office program Masculinities in Israel.