Film Screening and Expert Panel Discussion took place Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019

Bystanders have untapped power to disrupt the cultural norms and behaviors that promote and permit gender-based violence (GBV). What does it mean to be a positive bystander, especially in the #MeToo era? The IGWG’s GBV Task Force sought to explore this question at an event dedicated to unpacking and understanding bystander approaches to reducing and preventing GBV. This exciting event featured clips of the film, The Bystander Moment: Transforming Rape Culture at Its Roots, as well as an interactive discussion with renowned experts on using the bystander approach to prevent GBV.

Released in 2018, The Bystander Moment is a powerful and timely documentary that explores the role of bystanders—especially friends, teammates, classmates, and co-workers—in perpetuating sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of gender violence.

Featuring and based on the work of leading anti-violence educator and author, Jackson Katz, the film places special focus on how cultural norms—especially normative ideas about manhood—have fed a culture of silence in the face of men’s sexual violence. It also explores the positive role men can play in transforming the sexist attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that too often lead to gender violence and bystander silence.

After screening a portion of the film, a panel of experts offered their reflections, shared examples of bystander approaches from diverse country contexts, and discussed best practices and future directions for the movement.

Panelists included:
• Jackson Katz, Founder and President, MVP Strategies
• Sohini Bhattacharya, President and CEO, Breakthrough
Engaging Men and Boys to Change Gender Norms to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls
• Natsnet Ghebrebrhan, Violence Against Women Prevention Coordinator, Raising Voices
VAW Prevention Using the SASA! Approach
• Oswaldo Montoya, Networks Associate, Men Engage Alliance