Millions of men a year are sexually violent towards women, girls, and other men sometimes in their own family or household. Worldwide, a recent report states that at least one woman in three has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. At the same time, a balance needs to be struck between recognizing how men's behaviour contributes to the epidemic and recognizing their potential to make a difference. As politicians, as front-line workers, as fathers, as sons, as brothers and friends, men have much to give. Men need to be encouraged to adopt positive behaviours, and to play a much greater part in caring for their partners and families.
Studies worldwide show that men generally participate less than women in caring for their children.
In terms of the AIDS epidemic, which has left over 13 million children orphaned , there is an urgency for both men and women to provide the love and practical needs such as food, housing, clothing and education for children who have lost their parents. All this does not mean an end to prevention programmes for women and girls. Rather, the Campaign aims to complement such programmes. Work that enhances gender awareness and sensitivity should focus on the needs of both sexes . The Campaign is designed to provide material for national and local organizations to create their own campaign based on Men Make a Difference but responding to local priorities.