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Youth Boys Gender Equality Camp (CHACA)

    Nicaragua 2015

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    Youth Boys Gender Equality Camp (CHACA)

    Project Details

    Location
    NICARAGUA
    Volunteer Coordinator
    Christopher Shepperd of Austin, TX
    Benefiting Organization
    Boys Respecting Empowered Women (BREW)

    Project Description

    Camp CHACA is an evidence-based camp focused on gender equality education for young men ages 15-20. “CHACA” is an abbreviation of “Chavalos A Caballeros”€ meaning “Boys to Gentlemen”€ which embodies the primary purpose of the camp: empowering male youth to promote gender equality in their communities and become positive role models.

    “Machismo,” which roughly translates to “male chauvinism,”€ permeates Nicaraguan society. While most gender work focuses on female empowerment, evidence has shown that when young men are taught about gender equality, communication, and violence, there are long-term reductions in domestic abuse. We identify these motives to be a leading cause of change in the past and hope to build on moving forward.

    Seven Peace Corps Volunteers and seven Nicaraguan professionals co-facilitated intensive educational workshops for 60 Nicaraguan youth over five days, covering topics including self-esteem, violence and masculinity, and conflict resolution. After the camp concluded, youth were tasked with implementing their own projects that address gender inequality. Working together, our goal is that these young men will challenge discriminatory gender roles and become change agents throughout the country.

     

    Project Update – Fall, 2015

    Project Outcomes