Sonke Gender Justice and the University of Cape Town hosted the first MenEngage Africa Training Initiative, which took place in August 2012.
What is the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative?
The MenEngage Africa Training Initiative (MATI) is a 10-day residential course with the overall goal of increasing the leadership capacity and advocacy skills of men and women as gender justice advocates in Africa. The initiative seeks to create a network of future leaders who will scale up work in engaging men and boys for gender equality, HIV prevention and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.
MATI will work regionally to increase the capacity of organisations and individuals to lead gender justice programmes that engage men and boys in gender equality and as agents of change in their home countries. Each applicant has submitted an innovative Project for Change for gender justice (including work with men and boys) for their organisation. A mentorship programme has been set up to support this work after the course.
Participants have an opportunity to critically reflect on issues relating to gender and the future of gender advocacy in Africa, which includes involving men and boys. They critically reflect on their own projects to ensure greater and more systematic engagement of men and boys for gender equality.
The 10 day course incorporates a mix of thematic and skills building sessions, a site visit and daily opportunities for self reflection. Some of the workshop modules include: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, LGBTI, Fatherhood, Children’s rights, Policy Advocacy, and Research Skills.