“Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to take part in the MATI Building a feminist peace in Africa training course, organized by MenEngage Africa and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). The training, which brought together participants from a variety of backgrounds, aimed to build the capacity of activists and professionals working on issues of gender, violence and peace in Africa. The three main themes addressed during the training were: Gender, violence and post-conflict states; Men, boys and masculinities; and Building feminist peace in Africa. Here’s a summary of my key lessons from this program.” – Urielle.
Gender, violence and post-conflict states: The first theme of the training focused on the analysis of gender dynamics in post-conflict contexts. I learned that armed conflicts and post-conflict periods affect men and women differently, often exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation during and after conflict. The training highlighted that post-conflict reconstruction policies and programs must integrate a gender perspective to be effective. It is not enough to simply restore peace; it is crucial to ensure that the peace achieved is inclusive and addresses the specific needs of women and girls. A key aspect I have retained is the importance of women’s active participation in peace and reconstruction.
Men, boys and masculinities: The second theme was men, boys and masculinities, exploring how social constructions of masculinity influence violence and gender inequality. I learned that rigid norms of masculinity can perpetuate a cycle of violence, both against women and against men themselves. The training helped me understand the importance of involving men and boys as partners in promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence. We explored various programs and approaches aimed at deconstructing toxic norms of masculinity and promoting models of positive masculinity. A highlight of the session was the discussion on the importance of education and awareness-raising from an early age to encourage respectful and egalitarian attitudes and behaviour.
Building a feminist peace in Africa: The final theme of the training course was feminist peace-building in Africa. This module was particularly inspiring, as it highlighted the need for a feminist approach to peace and security, which goes beyond the absence of war and aims to build just, equitable and inclusive societies. I learned that feminist peace implies a reconfiguration of power structures and a commitment to social, economic and political justice. This approach advocates the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of peacebuilding, including negotiation processes, the implementation of peace agreements, and post-conflict governance. A key lesson from this module is the importance of challenging traditional approaches to peace and security that fail to consider women’s experiences and needs. Participating in the MATI training has been an enriching experience that has profoundly influenced my understanding of gender dynamics, violence and peace. The knowledge and skills I acquired will enable me to better integrate a gender perspective into my future work and contribute more effectively to the promotion of peace and gender equality. The training has also enabled me to reflect on my own role and how I can become a better ally in the fight against gender inequality. These are some qualities of positive masculinities that indicate transformation of men to contribute to peace in communities. Positive masculinities mean a man
“In my opinion, when we mention positive masculinity, we expect a person who reflects the following qualities which include but are not limited to:
A man who is caring and empathetic,
A man willing and available to support others,
A man who shares joy and love with those around him,
A man who justly defends the cause of others,
A person who believe in equality and commits to promote justice,
A man who is confident and humble,
A person available to give and receive from others.”
“The MATI training organized by WILPF and MenEngage Africa was a crucial initiative to build the capacity of activists and professionals in Africa on key issues of gender, violence and peace. By combining theory and practice, this training not only enriched my knowledge, but also inspired me to act more proactively to build a more just and equitable future for all.” Urielle concludes.
By Urielle Amen Tomety