The Global Symposium on Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 30-April, 3 2009. Four hundred fifty participants from around the world shared their work in applied research, policy, and program development. Their work challenges rigid gender norms and engages men and boys in reducing violence against women and girls, promoting sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and fatherhood and care giving.

Symposium promoted exchange, debate and planning for action. Agenda included sessions on men and violence, men and health; and men and care giving, and fatherhood; skills building workshops, abstract presentations and Global Village showcased the work of NGOs, UN agencies, governments, foundations. Policymakers form Brazil, Canada, Norway, South Africa and Sweden presented analysis of current advances in policy that engages men and boys in gender equality. Symposium is also result of the need to move from small-scale efforts to reach men and boys and involve them in achieving gender equality.

The delegation from the Balkan region, consisting of the NGO representatives from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia participated at the Symposium. The Croatian delegation consisted of CESI and HUHIV members.

Symposium started with the dialogue with the Women's Rights movements because feminists were the first ones to tackle gendered inequalities. It is essential, as Gary Barker stated, to help policymakers identify gender equality as a tangible public good. Jackson Katz, founder of the Mentors in Violence Prevention program, in a very inspiring speech concluded that we need more men who challenge sexism.

The Symposium developed a "Rio Call to Action" for governments to implement policy that engages men and boys in gender equality. Rio Call to Action is available on the MenEngage website.

The Global Symposium is hosted by an alliance of non-governmental organizations including Promundo (Brazil), Instituto Papai (Brazil), White Ribbon Campaign Canada, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the MenEngage Alliance, and Save the Children Sweden.