Engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against gender-based violence is a critical way of achieving sustainable change. For several years, MenEngage Africa has observed that programs working to include boys and men have the potential to both increase their support for gender equality and significantly reduce the levels of violence men perpetrate. The programs not only foster a deeper understanding of masculinity but also encourage participants to challenge harmful gender norms. Moreover, men who actively participate in programs focused on masculinity and gender equality are more likely to advocate for women’s rights. This shift in perspective is vital, as it helps dismantle the societal structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. The impact of GBV extends beyond individual victims: it ripples through communities, obstructing progress and entrenching cycles of violence and discrimination.
It is against this background that MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice and partners convened at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative 2024 forum in Cape Town, South Africa, on the 22nd of October 2024 to host a parallel event under the theme: Reimagining Masculinities: Mobilizing Men and Boys to prevent Gender-Based Violence. The aim of the side event was to highlight key contributions that MenEngage Africa has made toward violence prevention. This parallel event sought to strengthening strategies of partnering with men and boys, encouraging them to become steadfast allies in the quest for gender justice and the promotion of women’s rights. Central to this mission, is the urgent need to address and prevent sexual and gender-based violence , which remains a critical issue affecting millions across the continent.
“It was an exciting experience to witness MEA’s significant 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 ,” says Joseph Kilonzo of the Kenya MenEngage Alliance.
“This experience empowered me to become a change agent, actively engaging men and boys in challenging harmful traditional practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and teenage pregnancies, while promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues. “he adds.
The side event was also an acknowledgement of the innovative and creative methods they have employed to prevent sexual and gender-based violence across the African continent. Through an engaging series of presentations and discussions, attendees learned about MEA’s multifaceted strategies, that include community engagement, educational outreach, and advocacy campaigns. These strategies are thus meant to challenge traditional notions of masculinity, contribute to healthy relationships, and embolden men and boys to take an active stand against GBV.
MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice are committed to creating sustainable and effective interventions that address the root causes of GBV. Encouraged by our recent participation in the 2024 SVRI forum held in Cape Town, South Africa, we remain steadfast in our commitment to engaging men and boys in our programs and as allies in bringing an end to gender-based violence.