Men's dual role in honour cultures

Fadime Sahindal's memory lives on in different places, particularly on Fadime day. In Kristianstad, the day has been a training day on honour-related violence and oppression for the past five years.

This year, the training was on 6th February, focusing on boys and men's dual role in honour culture. How young boys are affected by honour related norms and how the patriarchal society puts the man in a superior position.

– Most often when we talk about honour related violence; it’s to do with vulnerable women. It is also important because the majority of those that are vulnerable are women. But we must not forget men's dual role as perpetrators and victims. People who do not follow the heterosexual norm are often subjected to more violence than, for example, women, said Alán Ali from the organization MÄN after the lecture.

Men can be victims of violence and oppression. But they can even be perpetrators.

– Men often have a duty to provide and several different roles as superior positions. It gives men power and freedom, but also lots of limitations. This applies particularly to sexual identity that does not comply with the hetero norm.

Alán Ali did not just talk about the problems but about different solutions. A great responsibility rests on men.

– I have mentioned an example of two brothers who pressurised their parents and uncles to take their sister back. Boys and men have the power to let go of control, to create change. They can also be seen as resources, not just those who are stupid.