The MenEngage Madagascar network organized a youth symposium on December 3rd, 2022, in Mahabo, Morondava. A day dedicated to capacity building on gender equality, positive masculinity, and the fight against sexual exploitation of children by the new ambassadors of the network Men Engage Madagascar.
As part of the 16 days of activism in the fight against violence against women and girls, Men Engage Madagascar succeeded in bringing to life its vision: “give each individual in society his or her share of responsibility for making a positive change” The goal was to provide a space for reflection, sharing, engagement, action and a forum for youth to take full part in societal issues and take action.
The symposium provided an opportunity for the new ambassadors to exchange ideas with Secretariat volunteers from the MenEngage Network. The goal was to equip them with the knowledge and skills they needed to function in their society.
Masculinity was one of the topics discussed during the symposium and the definition of a man, gender stereotypes, and the issue of men in relationships. The Miralenta training, on the other hand, looked at the gender spectrum, whereas the training on child sexual exploitation asked participants to think about the state of children and the realities of the violence they may face. A personal development workshop was also held to give participants the opportunity to reflect on their community.
The training was followed by a session of restitution by the participants through art, notably theater, dance and poetry. These performances highlighted the participants’ deep understanding of the themes
What is next?
The Mahabo symposium laid the groundwork for this community’s network of MenEngage Madagascar ambassadors. The new network members will continue their education and daily lives in accordance with a vision of a world free of violence, particularly against girls and women.
C for C, the secretariat of Men Engage Madagascar, will replicate the same event for 500 more beneficiaries in the Boeny Region, in the commune of Majunga. Over time, the symposiums will benefit over 500 young people who will become involved in the “Miralenta” fight (the fight for gender equality) and the fight against gender-based violence.