Reimagining Masculinities: Mobilizing Men and Boys to prevent Gender-Based Violence

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) 2024 conference presents a crucial platform to explore innovative solutions to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). MenEngage Africa (MEA), as part of the global MenEngage Alliance, has been at the forefront of engaging men and boys to challenge harmful gender norms and contribute to the gender justice movement. In alignment with the SVRI 2024 theme of promoting action and innovation to prevent sexual violence, this side event will highlight MEA’s unique and transformative approach to gender-based violence prevention in Africa.

Objective

The primary goal of the side event is to showcase MenEngage Africa’s contributions to violence prevention through engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender justice, women’s rights, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). 

The event will:

• Highlight evidence-based strategies that have been effective in mobilising men and boys.
• Showcase key programmatic successes, learnings, and challenges from MEA’s interventions.
• Discuss how partnerships and collaborations have enhanced GBV prevention efforts in Africa, especially within restrictive policy environments.

Register here to join us virtual: https://bit.ly/3YhIr1w 

Themes

1. Engaging Men and Boys in GBV Prevention: Present key MEA programs that address harmful masculinities and empower men to support gender equality actively, drawing from community-based models, media advocacy, and education campaigns.
2. Addressing GBV within Policy Frameworks: Discuss challenges and opportunities in navigating rigid and conservative policy environments in Africa, particularly concerning SRHR, LGBTI rights, and Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE)—Showcase MEA’s efforts in advocacy and policy engagement in these areas.
3. Building Accountability and Partnerships: Emphasise the importance of accountability mechanisms in gender justice work, focusing on the role of partnerships with women’s rights organisations, youth movements, and civil society actors. 
4. Innovative Approaches to Measuring Impact: Highlight innovative methodologies used by MEA to measure the impact of interventions, including qualitative and participatory research approaches that capture shifts in attitudes, behaviours, and policy changes.

Speakers/Panellists

1. The impact of engaging men and boys in community-based programs. Fidele Rutayisire (MEA Rwanda), Raymond Havwala (MEA Zambia), Sakumzi Ntayiya (MEA South Africa) and Joseph Kilonzo (MEA Kenya)
2. MenCare case study on ending VAWG- Bafana Khumalo (Sonke)
3. Implementing masculinities transformation through a feminist lens. Laxman Balbase(ME Global)
4. Insights on engaging policymakers in gender justice efforts. Mpiwa Mangwiro Tsanga(Sonke)
5. Community Action Team members on proven strategies to mobilise communities to end VAW. (CATS)
6. Experience of receiving services from a male friendly centre (Wellness Center)

Moderator: Mabel Sengendo

Format

The event will include a panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session. Attendees can ask questions and engage directly with panellists about ways to collaborate and adapt MEA’s approaches to their contexts.

Target Audience 

• Researchers and academics focused on GBV prevention.
• Civil society organisations and practitioners working on gender justice.
• Policymakers and government officials.
• International donors and development agencies.
• Media and advocates involved in SGBV work.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness of the role of men and boys in preventing GBV.
• Enhanced understanding of MenEngage Africa’s approach and its impact on gender justice.
• Strengthened networks and partnerships for collaborative action in SGBV prevention.