MenEngage Madagascar, working in the huge island nation off the south-east coast of Africa – and home to thousands of animal species, such as lemurs, found nowhere else, plus rainforests, beaches and reefs – was formed recently in 2016. Capacity Building for Communities (C-for-C) acts as the Secretariat for the network, whose focus is to get men involved in fighting violence against women. The network’s goal is to turm as many boys and men as possible into behaviour change agents that act as role models for others to stem the tide of gender-based violence and to encourage healthy relations between men and women in communities.
The network mobilises men and boys to advocate for non-violence through the following activities:
- Raising awareness to end violence and promoting “positive masculinities” to encourage behavioural change that will lead to men adopting new visions and norms devoid of violence.
- Advocating for positive correctional measures for perpetrators of violence.
- Supporting behavior change, counseling and reintegration efforts for perpetrators of violence.
- Organising workshops for reflection and consultation with other partners involved in the fight against gender-based in Madagascar.
- Conducting awareness campaigns in communities.
- Working with the media to sensitise communities and general society about gender-based violence and its impacts.
- Conducting mass campaigns, including media campaigns, about Malagasy laws and a culture of nonviolence.
MenEngage Madagascar Secretariat, C-for-C, was founded in 2007 and it has primarily worked to provide capacity for micro-entrepreneurs through training, mentoring and network support. In the years of its existence the organisation has observed that violence experienced by its target groups, mainly young women, has become a barrier to their professional development. This has led to the evolution of the organisation to include a focus on the promotion of human rights, concentrating primarily on advocacy – prevention and awareness. Targeted populations are the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, women and people living below the poverty line.
