Following two successful campaigns focused on sexual violence and gender-based violence in higher education, the On s’écoute campaign is launching a new initiative dedicated to masculinist discourse and its influence within postsecondary institutions. Combining awareness-raising, training for practitioners, and educational tools, this new section also provides a comprehensive facilitation guide for professionals responsible for prevention activities aimed at young people.
Why Raise Awareness About Masculinist Discourse?
Raising awareness about masculinist discourse has become essential in postsecondary educational settings, as many studies and practitioners have observed a growing popularity of these narratives among young people. Adherence to certain beliefs associated with a supposed “crisis of masculinity”2 contributes to the normalization of sexual and gender-based violence, while also reinforcing myths and stereotypes linked to rape culture.
In Quebec, 70% of young people aged 15 to 25 express either agreement with or ambivalence toward certain myths surrounding sexual violence, particularly those that minimize the responsibility of perpetrators or question the credibility of survivors. Some studies also show that a significant proportion of youth perceive feminism as a threat to men1.
The influence of these discourses has tangible consequences in educational environments: an increase in sexist and homophobic remarks, the normalization of controlling behaviors in intimate relationships, and a less safe climate for students. In this context, providing spaces for discussion and appropriate prevention tools becomes an essential way to foster critical thinking, encourage egalitarian relationships, and support a culture of consent.
Understanding the Influence of Masculinist Discourse: An Awareness Video
The first tool in this new initiative is an awareness video that highlights the influence of masculinist discourse across different areas of young people’s lives, including sports, social media, friendships, and intimate relationships. Through impactful visuals, the video encourages reflection and raises awareness without adopting a moralizing approach.
A Ready-to-Use Facilitation Guide for Preventing Sexual Violence
Looking for a ready-to-use workshop on sexual violence for your students? This 50-minute facilitation guide is designed for practitioners working in college and university settings. This new initiative also expands the platform’s training section with a workshop titled Sexual Violence and Masculinist Discourse.
Designed to last approximately 50 minutes, the workshop is divided into six guided educational activity modules, accompanied by ready-to-use visual materials:
- Consent and Sexual Violence introduces the basic concepts related to sexual violence and gender-based violence;
- What Is Masculinist Discourse? provides a clear and comprehensive definition of the concept;
- Myths That Question the Credibility of Victims of Sexual Violence encourages students to reflect on empathy and the role of active bystanders;
- Myths That Excuse Perpetrators of Sexual Violence invites participants to consider the impacts of sexual and gender-based violence on survivors’ lives;
- Support Resources allows practitioners to adapt the suggested references to the services available within their institution;
- Conclusion encourages participants to continue reflecting and to take an active role in combating sexual and gender-based violence in their communities.
References
Baril, K., et al. (2025). L’adhésion aux mythes et préjugés sur l’agression sexuelle chez les Québécoises et Québécois de 15 ans et plus. Chaire de recherche sur les violences sexistes et sexuelles en milieu d’enseignement supérieur (VSSMES), Université du Québec à Montréal.
Dupuis-Déri, F. (2018). La crise de la masculinité : Autopsie d’un mythe tenace. Les éditions du remue-ménage.
