Trigger warning: The following story contains descriptions of family violence. Some readers may find this content distressing. Please take care while reading.

In Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, John Mark Hou has transformed his own beliefs about gender roles into a powerful force for change. As Chair of the Male Advocate Programme, he works alongside church leaders and communities to challenge harmful norms, promote positive masculinity, and help end violence against women and girls.

John Mark Hou, 53, serves as the Chairperson of the Male Advocate Programme at Malaita Christian Care Center (MCCC) in the Malaita Province of the Solomon Islands, working under the guidance of Coordinator, Sister Doreen Awaiasi. Growing up, he was raised with traditional beliefs about men’s superiority over women, but this changed when he met the sisters from MCCC and was introduced to male engagement in preventing violence against women and girls through the Warwick Principles: Best Practices for Engaging Men and Boys in Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls in the Pacific, developed by the Regional Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women and UN Women.

UN Women’s support is through the Pacific Partnership to End Violene Against Women and Girls (Pacific Partnership), funded primarily by the Government of Australia, and the European Union, and coordinated by UN Women and the Pacific Community (SPC), in strategic partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

“I was brought up in a remote community in South Malaita. My father was very strict. He would whip me if I went out without his permission. He also taught me that certain jobs were meant for women, while others were meant for men. Living among ten families, I learned how men ‘should treat women’ based on our local beliefs. As a young boy, I followed those norms and accepted the idea of men being superior to women.” shares John.

“During my secondary education at a Christian school, I was exposed to the work the sisters did for the community. Inspired by their mission, I made a vow to support their ministry. I became one of two thousand associates volunteering my time and providing financial support for their work. It was these sisters who encouraged me to improve myself to fulfill Christian duties and ultimately find peace and happiness.” says John.

John Mark Hou has transformed his own beliefs about gender roles into a force for change. Image: UN Women.

In 2018, Mark helped the sisters in constructing the Malaita Christian Care Center, the first women’s shelter in Malaita and has become an avid advocate of their work, in particular on men’s role in violence against women. “I realised there were gaps in my understanding. Violence can be prevented if men change their behaviour. Men have to be onboard as allies. This inspired me to start our male advocacy programme.”

Through collaboration with the Police and the church, Mark has been able to reach twenty-four communities across Malaita raising awareness with men and boys on shifting mindsets and promoting peace through positive masculinity. “We make plans with men in the community: how to control their anger, manage addictions, communicate with their wives and children, and call out for violence. We set a timeframe—say, in two months—to implement these plans to see if it works. If any community member witness’s violence, they report it directly to us or to the police. That’s how we operate, and it’s been working very well” explains John.

“This programme is changing the community, and it has also changed my life. At home, my wife and I communicate [better] with each other, learn from our mistakes, and we manage our family together. Just as I preach as a male advocate, I want my family to be free from violence and feel safe and peace at home. We must have this happiness and live a full life.” – John Mark Hou