The Global 16 Days Campaign is a crucial worldwide movement that aims to put an end to the violence that women and girls face daily. This campaign is a call to action that unites individuals and organizations across the globe in the fight against gender-based violence. To commemorate this significant period, MenEngage Africa partners came together to organize a range of activities in their respective countries.
These activities were designed to raise awareness about the importance of ending gender-based violence and to inspire action amongst young people across the African continent. One of the events that took place was a series of workshops that focused on educating young people about the various forms of violence that women and girls face. These workshops were led by experts in the field and provided participants with a safe space to learn and ask questions.
Another activity that was prominent throughout the MenEngage Africa network was organized marches. These brought together young people from different communities to raise their voices against gender-based violence. The marches are a powerful display of unity and solidarity, as young people from all walks of life came together to demand change.
MenEngage Cameroon
The Sustainable Women Organisation, in partnership with MenEngage Cameroon, has organized a Hiking Bootcamp in Wosing Community, Cameroon. The SiloWalk event, led by a team from Sustainable Women Organization, gathered 50 participants, including women leaders, traditional leaders, and religious sisters. The event highlighted gender-based violence in the community, such as widowhood rights, rape, and economic inequality. The Women Leader and Religious Sister lead the walk with heart-to-heart talks on Gender based violence, highlighting realities in Wosing community such as widowhood rights, denial of female child at the hospital at birth, rape, gender discrimination on education, assaults and denial of economic opportunities. They also drew their attention to the fact that, children are gift from God, that most girls if given access and opportunity to education they will become everything a father will want from a male child. They should be punishment to every man who will rejects a female child at birth. The event highlights the need for change in traditional practices and the importance of empowering women.
MenEngage Madagascar
The MenEngage Madagascar network has been actively working to combat gender-based violence in the South and Vatovavy regions of Madagascar. Through community mobilization activities, the network has raised awareness about gender-based violence and promoted women’s rights. The mobilizations took place in four districts from November 28th to November 4th, 2023. Additionally, the network launched capacity-building activities in the Boeny, East, Vatovavy, and South regions. In the South and East regions, capacity-building focused on positive masculinity to improve GBV prevention results. In the Vatovavy region, a capacity-building workshop was organized for local authorities.
MenEngage Malawi
MenEngage Malawi participated in the national launch of the 16 days of activism. During the launch, men engage Malawi had a display booth and also presented their work to the minister of gender and other delegates.
MenEngage Democratic Republic of Congo
The MenEngage participated and carried out a number of activities during the 16 days activism to name a few the network hosted: A health walk organized by MenEngage took place in the Bushagara IDP camp on December 8, 2023, in Bushagara as part of 16 Days of Activism, MenEngage DRC organized a health walk. The aim of this activity was to raise awareness of responsible parenthood as a means of combating GBV.
Secondly the MenEngage DRC attended the launch of the 16 days of activism in Goma. Under the theme “all united, committed to the prevention of violence against women and young girls and organized by the Provincial Government of North Kivu launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign this Saturday, November 25, 2023. Through a series of interactive discussions and education sessions focused on combating violence, MenEngage DRC managed to reach hundreds of students. As part of their efforts, they engaged with 476 participants from Musawato Institute, 63 students from the same institution, and another 80+ attendees from the BASSIN DU CONGO school complex. Across a span of 16 days, the youth committee of MenEngage DRC organized an array of activities designed to incite conversations and reflection on various forms of gender-based violence and methods to combat it. The purpose of these actions was to cultivate healthy and respectful mindsets among young learners, and future leaders who deserve mutual admiration and non-discriminatory treatment, irrespective of their gender.
MenEngage eSwatini
The MenEngage eSwatini and Church Forum collaborated to conduct a workshop targeting couples, particularly newlyweds, on preventing IPV. The workshop focused on positive parenting, positive fatherhood, and partner support. 17 participants actively participated, revealing the tendency of scriptures to reinforce harmful norms. Both men and women expressed frustration with the gender fishbowl, fearing judgment from their religion. They questioned the role of men in providing after sin, raising questions about the consequences of washed sins. Participants requested continued sessions and increased time allocation, with plans to conduct these sessions in their churches and invite MenEngage to participate.
The members of MenEngage Africa also took to social media to share information about the campaign and encourage people to take action. They used hashtags such as #EndGBV, #16DaysOfActivism, and #MenEngageAfrica to reach a wider audience and promote their message. They also shared stories of survivors of gender-based violence and highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys in the fight against this issue.
Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILP) organized a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 5th to December 8th, 2014. The aim of this regional meeting was to review and validate the Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy that was produced by MEA in collaboration with WILPF. This strategy is a comprehensive plan that aims to address the root causes of violence and militarism in Africa. The overarching goal is to advocate for a more peaceful and inclusive continent where citizens can enjoy and realize their rights.
The meeting brought partners represented by Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa and WILPF from across the region to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to implementing the strategy. Participants engaged in strategic discussions and shared best practices on how to promote gender equality, prevent violence against women and children, and build a more peaceful and just society. The Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy also seeks to address these issues by promoting gender equality, advocating for disarmament, and promoting peacebuilding initiatives. The meeting was an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and develop practical solutions to the challenges facing the continent.
“Because the MenEngage agenda is about mobilizing and engaging men and boys for achieving gender equality, promoting human rights and reducing violence at all levels across the continent, including questioning the structural barriers that drive gender inequalities. This is even more important for WILPF as one of the obstacles to advancing the WPS agenda is the predominance of patriarchy, which can only be deconstructed through the joint action of women and men. As a matter of fact, positive masculinity is proving to be an important asset in advancing the WPS agenda, so that women alone do not have to solve the problems they did not create”, Sylvie Ndongmo, International Board, WILPF.
“Men Engage Africa and WILPF Joint Men, Militarism, Peace and Security Strategy is indeed a veritable key to realizing Africa’s Feminist Peace Initiative”, Dr Chris Ugwu, Executive Director of Society for the Improvement of Rural People (MenEngage Nigeria Secretariat) added.
This meeting was essential because Africa has been plagued by conflicts and violence for many years. The consequences of these conflicts have been devastating, resulting in loss of life, displacement of people, and destruction of property. Women and children are often the most affected by these conflicts, as they are subjected to sexual violence, forced labour, and other forms of abuse.
In today’s world, conflicts and wars have become a common occurrence, and the consequences of these conflicts are far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the larger society. The Men, Militarism, Peace, and Security Strategy aims to address the root causes of these conflicts and promote lasting peace and security. This strategy recognises the negative impact of militarism, militarized masculinities, and sexual and gender-based violence on women and girls during and after conflicts. Therefore, it emphasizes the need to promote women’s participation in decision-making and peace processes, as envisioned by UNSCR 1325.
Women have often been excluded from peace processes and decision-making, thereby perpetuating gender inequality and limiting the potential for sustainable peace. Women’s participation in peace processes is essential to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are taken into account. Women bring a unique perspective to peace processes, which is often overlooked in the male-dominated decision-making process. Therefore, it is critical to promote women’s participation in peace processes to build a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-just society.
Furthermore, MenEngage Africa’s Secretariat, Sonke Gender Justice, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom are conducting research on peace and security policies across the African continent. This research is essential to identify the gaps in current policies and to develop effective strategies to address the root causes of conflicts and promote peace and security. This research will help to ensure that peace and security policies are inclusive and take into account the perspectives and experiences of all members of society, including women and girls.
“As we address all the harms as well as the wider contextual issues. We feed into each other’s framework MEA/WILPF and I’m looking forward to the implementation and fruitful cooperation as we seek to advocate for a more inclusive and peaceful continent as citizens”. Sthembile Chunky Gumede, MenEngage Africa Chairperson.
Finally, promoting women’s participation in decision-making and peace processes, addressing militarism, militarized masculinities, and sexual and gender-based violence, and conducting research on peace and security policies are critical steps towards building a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-just society. These steps will help to address the root causes of conflicts and promote lasting peace and security, thereby contributing to a better future for all.
The Generation Gender (Gen G) South African Coalition hosted the second installment of the “Moments with Men” national campaign. The campaign aimed to address the pressing issue of escalating male suicide rates and promote better mental health among men. The theme for this year’s campaign was ‘Men at Work,’ and it sought to empower men to become allies in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
South Africa is grappling with an alarming increase in suicide rates, with men disproportionately affected. According to the South Africa Society of Psychiatrists report, South Africa is ranked tenth on the list of countries with the highest suicide rates, with 23.5 suicides per 100,000 people. Out of the 13,774 suicides reported in South Africa, a staggering 10,861 were among men. This crisis demands re-evaluating how we approach men’s mental health issues.
To combat this crisis, the Generation Gender South African Coalition hosted a Provincial Imbizo that took place on the 11th of November 2023 in Johannesburg South Africa, with the theme “Men at work.” This event focused on destigmatisation of men’s mental health and providing men with tools to become effective allies in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
The “Men at Work” imbizo created a safe and supportive environment in which men from all walks of life may congregate and participate in mental health interventions. These interventions will provide them with the information and skills they need to manage mental health concerns and advocate against Gender-Based Violence.
It is a grim fact that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often turning to destructive behaviours like substance abuse, intimate partner violence, or suicide. It is time to change this narrative and provide men with the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health.
The “Men at Work” Imbizo will included artistic performances by Makhafula Vilakazi and Okolom, as well as keynote addresses by influential figures such as Dr. Jerry Mofokeng, Nick Nzama, Bongani Luvalo, Siv Ngesi, Ntsikelelo Mzimbomvu, and Siyabulela Jentile and David Kau as a programme director.
The Imbizo also provided a variety of activities and services. The Imbozo also included a mental health master class and a conversation with the Gentlemen’s Clinic, in which professionals from a men’s clinic and a podcast explored crucial health concerns impacting men. Café sessions were organized in which men met in groups to discuss mental health interventions, destigmatize mental health topics, and engage in creative activities. A self-care area with exercise taught by activist Siv Ngesi and grooming activities emphasized the need for self-care as a mental health intervention.
The Generation Gender partnership is rooted in the promotion of gender equality and the eradication of violence in our communities. By challenging harmful gender norms, addressing unequal power dynamics, and facilitating youth agency, it aims to create a gender-just society. This Imbizo intends to empower the Generation G Champions, volunteers to become ambassadors for men’s mental health globally.
The MenEngage Africa Sexual Rights Health and Rights(SRHR) Learning and Exchange Symposium which took place from the 21st to the 23rd of October in Johannesburg South Africa, was an important event that focused on the theme of “SRHR for All: Building a Better Future for Africa’s Youth.” The symposium brought together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. The three-day event was hosted by Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa in collaboration with partners such as the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Save the Children International (SCI), Frontline AIDS, The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global), UNESCO, Community Centre for Impact, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and technical partners. The symposium was attended by over one hundred delegates representing most regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. These delegates included young people of all their diversities, religious and traditional leaders, LGBTQI+ persons, and allies.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and workshops, sharing their experiences and expertise on the various topics related to SRHR. Participants explored different approaches to addressing the challenges facing young people in Africa, such as the lack of access to comprehensive sexuality education, safe abortion services, and youth-friendly health services. They also discussed the importance of engaging with traditional and religious leaders to promote gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The symposium also emphasized the importance of involving young people in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Young people were recognized as key stakeholders in the promotion of SRHR, and their voices were heard throughout the symposium. The symposium also acknowledged the crucial role that religious and traditional leaders play in shaping attitudes towards SRHR in their communities. Participants discussed the need to engage with these leaders in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner to promote positive change. The symposium was a reminder that progress can only be achieved through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inclusive and innovative strategies
This symposium was a crucial platform for engaging men and boys in the promotion of SRHR, which is often a neglected area in discussions on gender equality. The symposium created a safe space for men and women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in promoting SRHR.”Your story matters, you matter, said Jude Thaddeus Njikem, SRHR Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice. These words resonated with the audience throughout the duration for the symposium serving as a persistent reminder to young people concerning their participation in the forthcoming dialogues.
“Our presence here, representing diverse backgrounds, organizations, and perspectives, is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). We come together with the firm belief that SRHR is not just a matter of healthcare, it is a matter of human rights, justice, and equality”. Said Co-Executive Director at Sonke Gender Justice and a board member of MenEngage Global,
The Symposium was honored to have a representative from the Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy in South Africa, Charity Kiwumulo who gave a keynote address and appreciated the conveners of the Symposium. She acknowledged the organizers of the symposium and the importance of the gathering. In her address she noted that Africa remains the epicenter of HIV, with over half of the number of people living with HIV in the world living in this region and SRHR is essential in helping young people make informed choices about their health and lives.
“We believe that access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is extremely crucial for young people. It provides medical care and comprehensive sexuality education, which gives them vital information about their sexualities, sensuality and gender identities and expression. It also allows them bodily autonomy and power over their lives”, Charity concluded. The MenEngage Africa Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Learning and Exchange Symposium was an overall success as it brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders working to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Delegates were able to propose real answers to the difficulties affecting young people in Africa via cooperation, information exchange, and inclusive and creative tactics, ensuring that they have access to the tools and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives. The Symposium closed with young people feeling energized to continue advocating for SRHR access in their local communities. The symposium concluded with the presentation of an outcome document and a commitment.
Power To You(th) Uganda is excited to bring to you one of the country’s biggest youth festivals, dubbed “Power To Youth Festival 2023,” happening on December 2 in Isingiro district, Western Uganda. The festival has been organized by one of our consortium partners, the Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum (UYAHF), under the theme: 16 Days of Activism: Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.
Our overarching goal for this festival is to raise awareness among adolescent girls and young people about the socioeconomic effects of the magnitude of teenage pregnancy, child marriages, and sexual violence problems, including how to prevent and manage these challenges.
Establish a secure learning platform for learning among adolescents and young people, key stakeholders, and like-minded organizations.
Foster awareness and agency on violence against the girl child among families, communities, and law enforcement agencies to catalyze positive attitudes and behaviors that foster peace and positive relationships.
The Power To Youth (PTY) festival will be held in a period of 16 days of activism against violence perpetrated on women and girls. It will largely be an avenue to raise awareness about girls’ rights, challenging SGBV and other harmful practices in the district. It will also provide an opportunity for the PTY partners, donors, youth advocates, and young people to share good practices from the three years of implementation while reflecting on bettering the project.
Largely, it will be an informal free space that will feature structured informal dialogue; experience sharing; learning and commitment from state actors and societal actors; music; dance; and drama from the various schools speaking to the theme. Young people who are creating a huge impact within the community by finding solutions to the SRHR challenges faced by young people will be awarded for their outstanding performance. At the festival, we shall partner with CSOs and the district to support the provision of SRH services such as counseling, SGBV screening, HIV and STI testing, and the provision of contraceptives, among others.
The festival will also be supported by live social media feeds through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, championed by young people who will also be supported with advocacy messages. Additionally, the festival will feature outdoor and indoor sports that will target innovatively sharing information about women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality. Booths will be set up for the adolescents to acquire information on topics such as menstruation, contraceptives, etc., and games, among others
Additionally, it will draw participants from all walks of life in the district, including adolescent girls and boys both in and out of school, young women, PTY youth advocates, PTY consortium partners, donors, ministers and members of parliaments,
CSOs, district luminaries, religious and cultural leaders, media persons, local artists, and dance groups, among others.
Follow the event live on our social media channels
We are thrilled to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Sida, a cherished ally in our journey as Sonke gender Justice and and MenEngage Africa. Sida is Sweden’s government agency for development cooperation which strives to reduce poverty and oppression around the world. In cooperation with organisations, government agencies and the private sector, Sida invests in sustainable development for all people. Sida has bilateral development cooperation with some 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
For over a decade, Sida has been more than a donor to Sonke, they’ve been a true partner in our mission to transform unequal power relations and dismantle patriarchal systems. Their financial commitment has served as a catalyst, propelling us to reach new heights and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sida’s support to Sonke Gender Justice for the implementation of Men Engage Africa’s Strategic Plan 2019-2023 has contributed to qualitative work on men and masculinities within Women’s Rights, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Gender Justice in the region.
Through Sida’s visionary support, we’ve been able to initiate and expand gender transformative projects. From work with religious and traditional leaders, policy makers to young women and girls across Africa. Their funding has paved the way for success stories that embody the positive change we collectively strive to achieve and their commitment to making a lasting impact is evident in the lives touched and transformed.
The MenEngage Africa “Khopotso Bodibe Media Award” was established to honour the remarkable life of Sonke’s former Communications and Media Specialist, the late Kgopotso Bodibe, who also supported MenEngage Africa members and recognized journalists in the region who work tirelessly in the field of human rights. Bodibe also worked for broadcast Radio Channel Africa, a platform he used to tackle subjects like as HIV/AIDS and female genital mutilation to raise awareness.
He was a Journalist of note and excelled in communicating the MEA’s work, in collaboration with the media. Furthermore, Bodibe expanded MEA’s social media presence and successfully launched the MEA website. He unfortunately, succumbed to COVID19 in 2021. However, his work continues to be celebrated in the human rights and HIV/AIDS sectors.
Introduction
One of the MenEngage Africa Strategic Plan 2019-2023 objective is to attain an increased body of evidence and knowledge emerging from MEA members and partners on promising practices to transform. Gender-sensitive reporting or using gender transformative approaches to reporting are examples of many that MenEngage Africa uses to achieve transformation. MenEngage Africa uses media as a tool for social change. Working with the media is critical to realising the MenEngage Africa vision of an Africa where all people are equal and free from the impact of destructive gender and sexual norms, as well as in the context of democratic societies where healthy and happy relationships, gender justice, and human rights are enjoyed, promoted, and protected. For the past four years of the MenEngage Africa Strategic Plan 2019-2023 implementation, MEA partners have strengthened capacity of journalists, human rights defenders, writers, and many others working in the human rights space to be sensitive in their reporting and to use a gender transformative lens when writing or reporting. These principles are critical in the fields of media production and human rights. Gender must be considered at all stages of news production, from the editorial department, where decisions on which stories to cover are made, to the field, where stories are gathered. MEA is especially eager to collaborate with journalists and newsmakers to ensure that the five key themes identified by MEA as priority thematic areas for the 2019-2023 strategic plan are reported through the lens of gender transformative approaches, namely:
Gender-Based Violence
Challenging Homophobia and Advocating for LQBTQI Rights
SRHR And HIV And Aids
Children’s Rights and Gender Equality, Positive Parenting through the Mencare Africa Campaign
Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Dialogue
It is against this backdrop that MenEngage Africa wishes to celebrate journalists, reporters, bloggers, content creators who were trained by MEA partners over the past four years working in the human rights space especially, in the above-mentioned key thematic areas for MEA. We are seeking nominations and applications for MEA Journalists/Writer of the Year. The award ceremony will be held virtually in December during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence against women and children.
Objective
To celebrate or award an individual(s) who has contributed towards attaining gender justice by using GTA in their reporting or activism.
Rules and Eligibility
The Award is open to all journalists (Print, broadcast, Digital Media as well as Photography) for published or broadcast news stories based on key MEA thematic areas in an African context, during the 2019-2023 period.
Relevance: Articles should be about the African continent and relate to the MEA thematic areas
Proof of publication: Submissions should be made in a of a link/URL.
Reliability and accuracy: Articles that are submitted must be accurate and well researched, without seeking to misinform or misrepresent facts.
Geography: Journalists must be citizens of any country in Africa and reside on the African continent.
Write a 200-word motivation for your entry
The submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee of experts from the MEA Communications and Advocacy Steering Committee.
Submission deadline: 25 November 2023
Contact: Amukelani Chauke | africa@menengage.org
NB: Only the successful candidates will be contacted.
Technical requirements
Entrants must confirm that it is their own work and agree to it being used for publicity,
Individuals send as much evidence of their don from 2019-2023.
Non-English entries are welcomed
Entries must be submitted electronically.
Prize money will be awarded to three journalists, ranked first, second, and third.
Judging criteria
Originality
Creativity
Newsworthiness
Accuracy
Impact
Use of medium
Overcoming barriers / resilience / tenacity
About MenEngage Africa
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and to question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 22 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health.
The 3rd annual MEA symposium was held in August this year under the theme: “Accountability and Transformation through Gender-Equitable Evidence-Based Programming”. Jointly organised by MenEngage Africa, Sonke Gender Justice and Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre-RWAMREC, the hybrid event brought together about one hundred and fifty participants off and online Delegates at the symposium included MenEngage Africa members and partners, academics, activists, government officials, donors, and representatives from the United Nations agencies, for a mutual learning and joint agenda setting on gender transformative approaches to engage boys and men.
The 3-day gathering addressed various themes such as Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights, HIV/Aids; Gender-based violence, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/key Population Rights, Child Rights, Gender Equal and Positive parenting, Faith based approaches, Youth leadership, Climate justice, and strategic cross-cutting priorities like accountability, feminist approaches and intersectionality.
During conference we witnessed an array of passionate debates regarding the provision of funding and resources to women and girls. The participants emphasized the need to combat harmful attitudes and practices that have been suppressing the voices and rights of women and girls for centuries. The discussions were centred on the importance of advocating for institutional and legislative reforms that can bring about significant changes in the lives of women and girls.
The delegates were treated to an official opening ceremony, dressed up in African attires. The event was graced by traditional performers who dazzled the audience with their extraordinary vocals and graceful choreography. Key dignitaries in attendance included guest of honour Mireille Batamuriza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, and Family Promotion Fidele Rutayisire, Executive of Rwamrec; Sariaka Nantenaina, Outgoing Chair of MenEngage Africa; Bafana Khumalo, Sonke Gender Justice, and Bianca Marks, MenEngage Global.
In his welcoming address, Fidele Rutayisire, RWAMREC, said the symposium is an opportunity to share best practices, synergize effort and mobilise resources for the important work of transforming masculinities and engaging men and boys in gender justice. He said numerous programs, interventions and initiatives were developed and implemented to generate more knowledge and evidence of the know-how for the work on engaging boys and men in gender equality in the last global symposium.
The discussions were penetrating, with experts from different fields sharing their perspectives and experiences. There was a general agreement that gender inequality is a pervasive issue that requires urgent attention and continues critical dialogue on intersectional feminist approaches to transforming masculinities One of the key issues that were discussed was the Accountable practices on male engagement in Gender Equitable Programming.
Sariaka Nantenaina, C for C Madagascar, Outgoing Chair MEA. In her remarks, Sariaka reminded the delegates of the purpose of the gathering ‘We are a feminist movement, we need to strengthen our work, we need to learn from each other, and we need to renew our engagement. Being part of Men Engage is an engagement. We believe in gender justice. Behind us there are lots of women, girls, men that do not have voices and we must speak, to work so that they live in peace. We are here also to have hard conversations, to listen carefully, to think critically, to network strategically, and to challenge what panellists and presenters are saying so that together we can grow’.
Bianca Marks, Global Membership Engagement, MenEngage Global extended heartfelt gratitude to the all the organisers of the symposium, and appreciated the work done by Men Engage Africa within its 24 country networks and over 500 organisation members, to transform patriarchal masculinities and engage men and boys to achieve gender justice. Reflecting on the symposium’s theme, she said ‘Accountability involves taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, our ways of working and showing up, with a focus of doing no harm, following the leadership of feminists and other marginalised movements, and seeking to build partnerships with the same.’ Referring to the morning plenary, Bianca said: “Transformation must take place at both the individual and the structural levels. As we engage in conversations, absorb knowledge, and form connections, people should bear in mind their responsibility to bring the insights gained back to our contexts”.
The participants also highlighted the need for more resources to be allocated towards initiatives that empower women and girls. They argued that providing access to education, health care, and economic opportunities can help women and girls to be more self-sufficient and independent. There were also discussions around the importance of creating safe spaces for women and girls, where they can share their experiences and seek support.
“Centering the voices of young people in programming to achieve intersectionality is key’’ said Clementine Nyirarukundo, Programme and Partnerships Manager, Paper Crown Rwanda. She encouraged the delegates to be inclusive during programming “We are accountable to the people we serve and those we work with. We should check and challenge power dynamics, question biases, have meaningful participation, give the seat, and bring in voices so that every group is meaningfully represented as we advance to be better gender activists”, she added.
Other significant insights and learnings from the symposiums included the need to challenge negative masculinities. There was also a clear call for an intersectional feminist approach to gender equality, the shared vision of being able to lead gender equitable and evidence-based programming to become a reality as it opens the space for inclusivity and collectiveness.
At the closing ceremony, MenEngage Alliance programs officer Nyasha Phanisa Sithole, highlighted the need to adopt the principle of inclusive engagement and for civil society organisations to stop competing among each other but rather continuously be the voice of the voiceless in our societies.
Bafana Khumalo, Global Chair of MenEngage Alliance and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice indicated the journey traversed as a network and shared that having more women attending the symposium was among the highlights: ‘When it happened in Johannesburg, most of the participants and delegates were men. When we did the second one in Maputo, most participants were men. The third one, which is happening in Rwanda, I think is influenced by the progressive politics of this country; we are almost half and half’.
While reflecting on the MenEngage mandate ‘In this work, there is space for everyone. It’s not just a cry platform for men who are encroaching on what is called’ men’s rights.
Khumalo emphasised the fact that men’s engagement is about transformation, and that for it to be meaningful, it must be embedded in feminist thought, ensuring that power is equitably distributed and that everybody is recognised irrespective of their gender.
‘Men need to embrace the philosophy of feminism because feminism humanises them. It gives an opportunity to develop what I call emotional intelligence so that we can be in touch with our inner selves and recognize who we are meant to be. Responsibility and accountability are key because that’s the standard. If you are willing to be held responsible for your actions and you are willing to be held accountable, then let’s talk, we can have a meaningful conversation’.
‘You cannot have a successful Africa if you continue to keep women back and allow young girls to be so-called married, which I have a problem with because there’s no marriage between an elderly person and a young child. That is rape, and we need to call it for what it is. If we want this continent to compete with other regions in the world, we need to invest in women. Women, I always say, don’t just care for themselves, they care for others, they care for the community’, he added.
Finally, in response to the rising impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on women and girls’ human rights, wars and violence in the region and beyond Africa, and threats made against the media, and minority groups, the 3rd MenEngage Africa Symposium declaration was delivered to the public. The declaration was inspired by the learnings and vibrant debates among the 200 participants representing 26 different countries at the 3rd MenEngage Africa (MEA) Symposium 2023, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 14th to 16th, and the MenEngage Africa Youth pre-symposium AGM declaration.The youth declaration is the outcome of an extensive consultation process that began with a 2-day MenEngage Africa Youth Annual General meeting, attended by young people from over 17 countries within the MenEngage Africa Alliance.
USAID / Khutlo consortium partners Pact and Sonke Gender Justice, under the Civil Society and Media-Strengthened Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM- STAND) convened a three-day stakeholder consultation and official launch of the USAID/Khutlo activity project from the 28th to the 30th day of August 2023 in Maseru, Lesotho. The project aims to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence against women, girls, and LGBTQI+ communities in Lesotho communities. The project, which will be implemented in Maseru, Leribe and Mokhotlong, will also build the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights as well as provide quality and inclusive GBV prevention, mitigation, and response services.
The meeting brought together delegates from the Ministry of Gender, Sports, Youth and Recreation, local traditional leaders and healers, members of the LGBTQI community and civil society organizations among others. Mareitumetse Sefako from Lesotho’s Puisanong organization presented on the project’s formative research. “This project has two types of beneficiaries, primary beneficiaries being cishet women, girls and LGBTQI+ communities and secondary beneficiaries being CSOs funded by the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanisms, traditional and faith-based leaders, LMPS, other duty bearers, media houses and communities, and the key informants for this research include CSOs, Lesotho Council of non-governmental organizations and other relevant umbrella bodies” she said.
Stakeholders at this meeting discussed the possible collaborations of various organizations in implementing the project, which resulted in a nomination of members of the Advisory Council for the project as well as recommendations for the project team.
Sonke Gender Justice and Men Engage Africa participated at the Women Deliver 2023 conference which took place in Kigali, Rwanda in July. The conference gathered over six thousand, three hundred women’s rights advocates from around the world, to engage on gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, and rights (SRHR) and women’s rights.
The conference which also attracted over two hundred thousand online participants, was a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, and it served as a beacon of hope for women around the world speakers at the conference included some of the most prominent voices in the field of women’s rights, and their insights and experiences were invaluable to the attendees. The magnitude of the gathering and level of engagement was a testament to the importance of the issues being discussed, and it underscores the urgency of the fight for gender equity.
Although the conference has now ended, the momentum it generated will continue to push the fight for reproductive rights. The attendees left the conference feeling energized and empowered, and they are now more determined to effect change in their communities. The Women Deliver 2023 conference was a truly transformative event, and it will be remembered as a turning point in the ongoing struggle for gender equity.
Under the overarching theme of Spaces, Solidarity, and Solutions, Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa, in partnership with UNAIDS, SAfAIDS, Q-Initiative, Plan International Uganda and Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) gathered to exchange ideas and enhance the well-being of women and girls.
During the conference, Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa hosted a concurrent session and a solidarity space. The concurrent session focused on Positive Masculinities in Gender Transformative #SRHR: Engaging Men and boys. The session explored, celebrated, and critiqued policy and program interventions from Eastern and Southern Africa that work to promote male engagement as an essential tool in improving and sustaining sexual and reproductive health and gender equality.
The session also offered a learning space for participants to discuss and boldly strategize together on masculinity within SRHR. Panelists and participants shared their perspectives and expertise on strategies and models that have effectively disrupted the status quo and advanced SRHR and gender justice, contributing to establishing anti-patriarchal masculine identities.
Speaker left to right Nankunda Babihuga, (CDFU), Jude Thaddeus Njikem (Sonke Gender Justice), Rouzeh Eghtessadi, Executive Director, SAfAIDS Regional, Anne Githuku-Shongwe (UNAIDS), Lucy Nyambura (Q-Initiative C.B.O) and Grace Ageno (Plan International Uganda)
“If we don’t walk hand in hand with men and boys, we miss out on opportunities to engage them in gender norms transformation.” said Director, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa as she emphasized and recommended the need to work with institutions that are influential in communities such as churches and engage church leaders to mobilize men and boys to improve their own health-seeking behavior and promote gender transformative behaviors. She also urged that it is critical to work with chiefs on what change they can lead at the policy level to lead towards gender transformation for achieving gender equality.
The Solidarity space titled; Faith and traditional leaders’ commitment to promoting gender justice. The session brought together people of different faiths and religions for a discussion on common challenges, share resources, and identify ways to strengthen ties among members of the faith community committed to promoting gender justice. The session heard that, despite some progress, many faith and traditional communities still struggle with gender inequality and the marginalization of women, which negatively affects their ability to fully participate in society. The workshop provided a platform for faith leaders from various backgrounds to explore shared concerns, share resources, and discover ways to develop links among members of the faith community devoted to supporting gender justice.
Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa partners also attended the launch of State of the World’s Fathers Report 2023 produced by Equimundo. The report reveals that thousands of women and men across the world are calling for care to be central to their lives, which can only be addressed by a fundamental overhaul of power structures, policies, and social norms around both paid and unpaid care work.
Throughout the conference, MenEngage partners engaged in a range of activities and discussions, exploring topics such as reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment. These conversations were not just theoretical but grounded in the real-world experiences of women and girls. As a result, the conference was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to those whose voices are often marginalized and silenced.
In addition to the formal program, the conference also provided ample opportunities for networking and connection-building. Participants met and exchange ideas with people from diverse backgrounds and regions, forging new partnerships and collaborations that will have a lasting impact.
Overall, Women Deliver 2023 was a truly transformative event. It demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of coming together to create a better world for all. As we move forward, we must continue to build on the momentum generated by this conference, working tirelessly to advance the cause of gender equality and create a more just and equitable world.
Sonke conducted Safeguarding/SEAH (Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment) capacity strengthening sessions with each of the Power To Youth partners in Malawi from the 22-26 May 2023, and Uganda from 17-21 April 2023. Sonke visited each organisation and held separate sessions with staff from each of the individual organizations and then 2 collective sessions (one in each country). There was also representation from some MenEngage Africa partners who attended the sessions. Each session was preceded by a meeting with the management and board members for the individual organisations. This process helped to identify the key priorities of each organisation prior to each session.
The training was structured in a way to facilitate effective learning for the participants on enhancing their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding against SEAH and Fraud, corruption and bribery and its practical application within their organizations. The sessions focused on defining the SEAH, Safeguarding and related terms, identifying clarifying examples of the different forms of SEAH, prevention and what it means to adopt a ‘zero-tolerance approach to SEAH and FCB among other things. The trainers also took participants through the PTY Safeguarding policy, stressed the importance of implementing response and reporting provisions whilst identifying social, cultural and institutional barriers to reporting safeguarding incidents.
The trainers adopted a participatory approach during the sessions to allow for active participation of everyone in the room. The engagement with all the organisations was so amazing! The training made use of visual aids, case studies, role playing, group activities related to common experiences so that participants could relate to the content. A Safeguarding assessment of the of each of the individual organisations was also conducted.
Partners expressed their satisfaction with the safeguarding sessions as well as their commitment to effectively implement the Safeguarding policies with some board members and MEA partners also requesting for a similar kind of training for each of their teams as well.
In a concerted effort to address the challenges and seize the opportunities related to male engagement in HIV prevention, treatment, and care, a three-day country engagement workshop was recently held in eSwatini and Kenya. The workshops, facilitated by Sonke Gender Justice’s Jude Thaddues Njikem and Fredalene Booysen brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations, government entities, national AIDS control committees, UNAIDS, and various other partners.
The objective of these workshops was to foster a comprehensive understanding of the key challenges and opportunities surrounding male involvement in combating HIV/AIDS in each country. Through collaborative efforts, the project team and stakeholders developed country roadmaps that outline effective strategies for addressing these challenges and maximizing the opportunities.
During the workshops, CSOs were introduced to the male engagement framework, which serves as a valuable tool for ensuring male inclusion and involvement in policies, strategies, and interventions. Participants also gained access to tools and resources aimed at enhancing their current capacity for engaging men in HIV testing and treatment. Additionally, the workshops provided an opportunity to explore male engagement prospects offered by global, regional, and national initiatives, such as Education Plus, as well as interventions related to gender-based violence and improved sexual and reproductive health and rights outcomes. The sessions were designed to encourage interactive participation, allowing stakeholders to share their experiences and learn from one another. The workshops culminated in a call to action, urging participants to develop and implement strategies that prioritize engaging men and boys in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. As a result, the workshop participants successfully crafted national roadmaps to operationalize male engagement in these critical areas.
The outputs generated under this project are expected to yield significant benefits. Firstly, CSOs were familiarized with the male engagement framework, providing them with a practical tool to ensure male inclusion in policies and interventions. Moreover, the tools and resources introduced during the workshops will enhance CSOs’ capacity to engage men in HIV testing and treatment. Furthermore, stakeholders were introduced to the MenandHIV.org clearing house, which will serve as a valuable resource to further inform promising approaches in male engagement. Lastly, the country-level roadmaps will guide the implementation of the Male Engagement Framework by government and CSO stakeholders, promoting collaboration and effective coordination.
The project has already yielded positive results in eSwatini and Kenya. Notably, it has bolstered the capacity of CSOs to implement male engagement programs by providing comprehensive training and technical assistance on various topics, including men’s health and well-being, gender equality, HIV prevention, treatment, and care, as well as social and behavior change communication. Furthermore, the project has improved coordination among stakeholders in country-level spaces. By facilitating meetings and workshops, the project team has fostered relationships and developed a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with male engagement in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The workshops concluded with the following recommendations:
Accountability: Men should be held accountable for their actions, both at personal and community levels. They should be encouraged to take leadership roles in preventing and responding to HIV and GBV.
Creation of a National Technical Working Group: A national working group should be created to advocate for male engagement in HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. This group should organize a nationwide consultation to engage men in the development and implementation of HIV prevention, treatment, and care programs.
Evidence-based Advocacy: Policies that support male engagement in HIV prevention, treatment, and care should be advocated for. This includes policies that provide funding for male-specific programs, as well as policies that create a supportive environment for men who are HIV-positive.
Multifaceted Approach to HIV and GBV Programming: Multifaceted social interventions should be used to address the root causes of HIV and GBV. These interventions should address power dynamics, gender roles, and sexual double standards. They should also build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
Movement Strengthening and Capacity Building: The capacity of healthcare providers, community health workers, and peer educators should be enhanced through training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms. Training modules and resources on male engagement in HIV services should also be developed.
Acknowledge Men’s Diversity: Men should be seen as a diverse group with multiple roles and vulnerabilities. An assessment of men’s reactions and attitudes to HIV services must include an analysis of different categories of men, rather than assuming and presenting men as a homogenous group.
Review and Dissemination of the Male engagement guidelines: The male engagement guidelines should be reviewed and disseminated at the national and county level. These guidelines should be integrated into existing health systems to create an enabling environment for sustainable male engagement in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention.
Knowledge Generation and Management: Disaggregated data that is sensitive to the special needs of different men should be generated. This data should be used to target special interventions and track success indicators. There should also be an investment in research to identify gaps, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform evidence-based practices.
Community Ownership: Local communities should be empowered to take ownership of male engagement initiatives. They should be encouraged to participate in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Community-led monitoring mechanisms should also be established to foster accountability and sustainability.
MenEngage(MEA), Sonke Gender Justice, and MenEngage Rwanda hosted the 2023 MEA Annual General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, virtually from June 1st to 2nd, 2023, as part of MenEngage Africa’s (MEA) governance requirements, with MEA delegates from 24 countries in attendance. This year’s meeting was an elective AGM, with a new regional steering committee elected. Countries such as Togo, Liberia, Swaziland, Cameroon, Zambia, Zambia, and Rwanda were elected by the AGM.
The meeting focused on taking stock of key activities and events carried out by members at the national, regional, and international levels as well as changes in policy. Participants at the AGM reaffirmed their commitment to achieving gender transformation while remaining accountable to the women’s movement, as well as to the MEA principles that guide the network.
While delivering her opening remarks, SIDA Global’s senior programme specialist for Gender Equality and Women’s Rights Sandra Åslund expressed her appreciation for the attendees’ presence and commended them for their dedication and commitment. She acknowledged the agility and adaptability demonstrated by all the members in the last-minute shift of the meeting from Addis to Kigali and their ability to regroup and adjust.
MEA members went on to report on a number of achievements such as the quantitative growth in regional and country networks and members’ capacity to implement gender transformative programmes, organisational development offered through the Secretariat’s technical support, which is provided through sub-grants, strengthened governance structures, increased regional visibility of MEA and improved capacity for resource mobilisation.
The AGM addressed a range of topics, one of which was migrants’ access to sexual and reproductive rights. Facilitators also spoke about the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 that was passed by the Ugandan parliament, that restricts freedom of speech on LGBTQI civil rights and introduces harsher penalties for certain homosexual acts, the consequences of the Bill in Uganda, the broader region and For MenEngage.
The AGM made recommendations to amend the MEA memorandum of understanding which will improve the network’s functioning.
Generation Gender Uganda successfully organized a series of impactful community engagements in the regions of Namutumba and Iganga. These community engagements led by the Center for Health, Human Rights, and Development (CEHURD), served as a platform to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and advocate for gender justice and young people’s rights. Through interactive discussions with stakeholders, refreshers and awareness sessions, Generation Gender Uganda and CEHURD aimed to address the pressing issues faced by young people in these regions. The events in Namutumba and Iganga brought together diverse community members, including local leaders, activists, educators, youth representatives, and members of civil society organizations. Their collective participation and engagement ensured a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for gender empowerment in the respective communities.
Activity One: 2Dialogues between youths and their local council representatives
In the districts of Namutumba and Iganga, Generation Gender facilitated two impactful dialogues between youths and their local council representatives. These dialogues were driven by a shared objective to harness the collective potential of these two groups towards the creation of a gender-just and violence-free society with and for young people. By bringing together youths and local council representatives, we the sessions aimed to bridge the gap between key stakeholders and foster meaningful dialogue. These dialogues served as a platform for open discussions, where the voices and perspectives of both groups were valued and heard. The dialogues revolved around the pressing issues faced by young people, particularly in relation to gender justice and violence prevention. Through interactive sessions and facilitated conversations, participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations for a better future.
Activity Two: 2 refresher trainings in Namutumba District and Iganga for religious leaders and cultural leaders
Empowering community leaders is one of the ways to change attitudes and perspectives and shape the behaviors of communities. In pursuit of this goal, Generation Gender organized two refresher trainings in Namutumba District and Iganga for religious leaders and cultural leaders. These trainings focused on advancing gender justice and fostering a violence-free society with and for young people. The refresher trainings played a vital role in deepening the understanding of these community leaders regarding gender-related issues. By equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we empowered them to drive change and promote gender justice within their respective communities, ultimately contributing to the creation of a violence-free society for young people.
During the trainings, participants had the opportunity to share how they had applied the knowledge gained from previous training sessions. This knowledge-sharing fostered a sense of collaboration and allowed community leaders to learn from one another’s experiences and successes. Through these interventions, community leaders were able to enhance their understanding of gender dynamics and gain valuable insights into the ways in which gender inequality and violence can be addressed effectively. They developed a broader perspective on the importance of promoting gender justice and creating safe environments for young people to thrive.
Activity Three: Meeting with stakeholders and referral pathways actors of Iganga District
Empowering duty bearers and referral pathway actors regarding laws and policies is critical for the promotion and advancement of gender justice. Generation Gender had a meeting with stakeholders and referral pathways actors of Iganga District to present and discuss key issues and strategies on laws and policies that address gender injustices and prevent Gender-Based Violence in the #Busoga Region.
This exclusive gathering served as a platform to bring together influential stakeholders and referral pathway actors, including police officers, the RDC (Resident District Commissioner), the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer), the DCDO (District Community Development Officer), youth leaders, police surgeons, CHAs (Community Health Assistants), district leaders, and representatives from the Iganga District Local Government. During the meeting, our team disseminated our newly published and highly informative resource, titled “Legal and Policy Mapping for Prevention and Response to GBV in Uganda.” This comprehensive publication serves as a valuable guide for understanding the legal landscape and policy framework surrounding GBV prevention and response in Uganda.
Through robust discussions and interactive sessions, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of the legal and policy dimensions of gender justice. They explored effective strategies and best practices for addressing gender injustices and combating GBV within their respective roles and responsibilities.
Activity Four: Radio talk show with young people and community leaders
In one of the evenings, Generation Gender facilitators were live on R-FM 91.1 Iganga for a Radio talk show discussing Uganda’s laws and policies on prevention and response to GBV, and how communities can contribute to creating a gender-just and violence-free society with and for young people.
❝ We must stand up against this prevalent issue. Ending GBV starts with reporting cases. Communities must report these cases to ensure justice and protection for victims. Reporting cases can help break the cycle and create a safer society for all.❞
Since 2020, Implementing partners under the Power to Youth program in Uganda and Malawi have applied Gender Transformative Approach, GTA in their work. According to Rutgers, GTA has six principles including using human rights as a basis for all interventions, analyzing and critically addressing power dynamics, harmful gender norms and values, gender, and diversity, focusing on empowerment of women and girls, and meaningful engagement of men and boys. Harmful practices such as Female genital Mutilation, child marriages, and teenage pregnancy faced by adolescent girls and young women are rooted in negative gender norms. GTA aims at transforming harmful gender norms and power imbalances to promote gender equality and justice in our societies.
In a bid to strengthen implementing partners, Sonke Gender Justice conducted GTA training for partners in Uganda and Malawi on the 26th of April 2023, which resulted in trajectories being developed for the partners to support GTA inclusion in programming. The training was centered around understanding the importance of GTA in programming. This was followed by the development of action plans to ensure the integration of GTA in the implementation of activities. The participants were also provided with monitoring and evaluation tools to measure progress.
Participants in the session shared their experiences, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned, as well as strengthened collaboration and synergy among the Malawi PTY implementing partners. These discussions helped to identify key areas for improvement and provided valuable insights on how to implement the program more effectively. The session provided a platform for the implementing partners to build strong partnerships and collaborate on joint initiatives. They also provided a space for the partners to share resources and knowledge to ensure the success of the program. Participants included CSOs, CBOs, youth, religious leaders, cultural leaders, implementing partners, men and boys involved in implementation, as well as other stakeholders.
During the session Uganda shared a video on how the program is engaging men and boys in Bukwo District to tackle harmful practice like Female Genital Mutilation. While Malawi shared a video on how the program is engaging men and boys in Mizinga to tackle harmful practice like SGBV. By the end of the session, the team developed recommendations to boost the application of GTA during the PTY program implementation.
The recommendations are as follows:
There is a need for more research into GTA and its applicability. Implementing partners need to perform operational research to inform their implementation.
There is a need to engage young people, mostly boys and girls at a young age to cause sustainable transformation.
MenEngage Namibia (MEN) facilitated a training with traditional leaders of the Kabbe Sub-Traditional court in the Zambezi Region from 13 and April 14, 2023, to empower male traditional leaders to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality in the Zambezi region.
The training aimed to foster gender equality and eradicate the menace of GBV from the region. The sessions were conducted over several days, providing an inclusive platform for male traditional leaders to address gender-based violence. In a collaborative effort, MEN and the traditional leaders explored strategies to promote gender equality within their communities, effectively challenging traditional norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against.
Recognizing the importance of legal frameworks in combating domestic violence, Namibian Police members organized an enlightening session with the Kabbe Sub-Traditional leaders. This engaging encounter aimed to unpack the Domestic Violence Legal Framework, ensuring the traditional leaders comprehended the legal avenues available to address and combat domestic violence within their communities. The session conducted by the Namibian Police with traditional leaders unveiled the power of legal frameworks in combating domestic violence. The leaders gained a comprehensive understanding of the legal tools at their disposal, enabling them to protect and support survivors of domestic violence more effectively.
Through these powerful initiatives, a profound impact was created. Male traditional leaders, who hold influential positions within the Kabbe Sub-Traditional court, were equipped with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender norms, promoting gender equality and addressing GBV. This transformative training not only empowered the traditional leaders but also paved the way for positive societal changes.
Simultaneously, the Development Bank of Namibia recognized the imperative role men play in combating workplace harassment. MenEngage Namibia embarked on an empowering journey, rallying male staff members to take the lead in addressing this issue head-on. Through workshops and educational sessions, men were equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a safer and more inclusive work environment.
Similarly, the engagement of male staff members of the Development Bank of Namibia led to a significant reduction in workplace harassment incidents. By taking a proactive role, these men became catalysts for change, fostering a supportive work environment where everyone felt respected and valued.
Additionally, a strategic planning and development meeting was held with members of the MenEngage Namibia network. This gathering aimed to strengthen relationships between participating organizations while enhancing leadership skills and sharing best practices. The goal was to create a network of empowered individuals capable of driving change within their respective communities. The meeting emphasized cross-country collaboration and knowledge exchange to support and improve initiatives in other nations as well.
The planning and strategy development meeting with MenEngage Namibia network members strengthened relationships between organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This synergy enhanced the capacity of participating organizations to lead impactful initiatives, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for gender equality and GBV prevention.
Through these collective efforts, Namibia witnessed a transformative shift towards gender equality and the eradication of GBV. The initiatives not only empowered male leaders but also set in motion a chain of events that would inspire similar changes in other regions and countries.
The Men Engage Africa Alliance (MEA) will be holding its 3rd Symposium from 14 to 16 August 2023. The symposium will be bringing over 200 participants including MEA members, civil society organizations, government agencies, strategic partners, private, academia and UN agencies, for a three-day symposium under the theme “Accountability and Transformation through gender-equitable evidence-based programming.” MEA invites interested individuals and institutions to submit abstracts under the following tracks or thematic areas:
Gender-based Violence
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and HIV/AIDS
LGBTIQ, Key and Vulnerable Populations
Children’s Rights
Faith Based Approaches
Youth Leadership
Accountability
Best and promising practices i.e. (Climate and Health etc.)
Abstracts Submissions Guidelines
Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your abstract:
Abstract submission deadlines close on 15 May 2023 at 23h00 SA time.
All abstracts may be written in English or French. Abstracts written in other languages other than the above-mentioned languages will not be accepted by the abstract selection committee.
If you wish to submit an abstract in another language besides the two languages specified above, we recommend you have your abstract translated and reviewed before submission.
Abstracts will be allowed only if submitted in a standard font such as Arial when formatting your text kindly ensure that this is adhered to.
The font size should be 12pts with 1.5 line spacing.
The abstract length should be 300 words. Tables, figures, literature references, and acknowledgements should not be part of the abstract’s content.
Always make sure to check the final abstract before submission, and edit or replace any errors and misspellings that were necessary.
Abstracts can only be submitted via the conference email abstracts@genderjustice.org.za; those submitted by fax or post will not be considered. All submissions will be acknowledged upon successful submission by an automatic submission email.
Abstracts must not have been published for presentation to any other national or international meeting. However, an abstract that was submitted but was not accepted in previous conferences and symposiums is valid and may be submitted for MEA Symposium 2023.
All abstracts should have the name of the author/authors, contact details, thematic area or track being submitted clearly marked after the title of the abstract.
If you have any questions regarding your abstract submission, please contact the abstract support team at jacob@genderjustice.org.za
Abstracts submission options
The symposium offers two options for abstract submission: OPTION 1 and OPTION 2.
OPTION 1
The first option is most suited for scientific research. Abstracts presented under the first option should contain concise statements of:
Background: indicates the purpose and objective of the research, the tested hypothesis or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
Methods: describe the setting/location for the study, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
Results: present as clearly as possible the findings/outcome of the study, with specific results in summarized form. The inclusion of gender breakdown of data is strongly encouraged.
Conclusions and Recommendations: briefly discuss the data and main outcome of the study. Emphasize the significance of Gender Justice, Human Rights accountability /or support, and future implications of the results
OPTION 2
The second option is most suited for presenting new knowledge or analysis important for understanding and responding to Gender Justice and its future implications. It is suited for information gained through systematic knowledge production/ management, other than scientific research or evaluation including community-level experiences and best practices in response to Gender-Based Violence. This process must include some evidence provided through the data obtained. Abstracts presented under the second option should contain concise statements of:
Issues: a summary of the issue(s) addressed by the abstract.
Description: a description of the intervention, project, experience, service and/or advocacy.
Lessons learned: conclusions and implications of the intervention or project. Data that support the lessons learned and evidence must be included.
Next steps: possible next steps for implementation, or recommendations. We encourage work that introduces new ideas and conceptualizations, research and understandings to the field, as well as analysis of both success and failure.
Important dates to remember
Abstract submission deadlines close on 18 May 2023 at 23h00 SA time. All Abstracts must be received by the announced deadline. Abstracts received after the deadline will not be considered. The Programme Committee is committed to having the Programme completed by 31 June 2023. This will allow enough time for attendees to schedule their participation accordingly.
Sonke Gender Justice in collaboration with Mosaic Training, Service & Healing Centre (Mosaic) hosted a two-day national stakeholder dialogue themed “From Policy to Accountability: Challenges and Opportunities in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa” from the 20th to the 21st of April in Johannesburg. The forum brought together participants from various civil society organisations across the country, to share ideas on how to best address intimate partner violence
Reports show that worldwide 27 percent of women and girls aged 15 or older have either experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence and in South Africa, the figure is double. One of the objectives of the dialogue was to stress the need to shift from a policy-centred approach to addressing intimate partner violence to a more robust shared accountability framework. Amanda Mgimeti, Project officer for the Human Rights and Advocacy programme at Hoedspruit Training Trust says the dialogue was an eye opener ‘’the presentations were able to clarify some of the questions I had, we learned about laws that apply when handling cases of gender based violence and some of the intervention programmes available, this was beneficial and I will definitely implement some of best practices learned here’’.
The dialogue held robust discussions and group work activities focusing on collaboration and partnerships to better address intimate partner violence as well capacitating participants on how to hold government accountable.
In 2016, acting in his capacity as Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa launched the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) ‘National Sex Work Sector Plan 2016-2019’ and presented the leader of the Sex Work Sector, Ms Kholi Buthelezi, with a sunflower as a symbol of his solidarity to decriminalise sex work.
Since then, the Asijiki Coalition has taken forward an annual campaign calling on the now President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to keep his promise and the sunflower has become the symbol of sex workers and their allies to rally around to push for law reform and to show the evidence that decriminalisation is the only legal option that can guarantee sex workers’ their rights and their protections.
The Asijiki Coalition launched the #sexworkpromise campaign today online, today is International Sex Workers Day, a day remembered as in 1975 a group of sex workers barricaded themselves into a church in Lyon in France and called for an end to arrests and violence against them. Their barrier read ‘Our children do not want their mothers to go to jail.’ Their media activism attracted attention and started a strike of sex workers all over France. This activism is seen as the precursor of increasing sex worker led advocacy for decriminalisation across Europe and the UK.
Let the sunflower symbol and #sexworkpromise take forward the call for decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa. It has been far too long with empty promises, so keep the promise and decriminalise sex work!
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ) started engagements in February 2022 with different stakeholders regarding proposed policy options to the current pieces of legislation that criminalise both the selling and buying of sex. The minister John Jeffries has met with the pro-decriminalisation sex work sector and is meeting with other sectors such as those supporting forms of legalisation and/or continued criminalisation.
Selling sex in a criminalised environment exposes sex workers to increased risks of Gender-Based-Violence from clients, intimate partners, the police, and law enforcement agencies. Decriminalising sex work will ensure that sex workers will be afforded safer working conditions and better access to public services, particularly around their own health, safety, and security.
We need the voices for decriminalisation to drown out all the others. We have the evidence and now we need sex workers and their allies to speak up and make sure that the promised option of decriminalisation is kept.
Jayne Arnott Sex Worker Rights’ Specialist Sonke Gender Justice
In commemoration of the International Women’s Day, Sonke Gender Justice and MOSAIC Training, Service & Healing Centre (MOSAIC) hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue under the theme; ‘From Policy to Accountability: Challenges and Opportunities in addressing Intimate Partner Violence’. The dialogue took place at Capital Melrose, Melrose North, Johannesburg on 08 March 2022.
The dialogue explored state and non-state responses to addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) and to mobilise the commitment of relevant government departments and other stakeholders to address challenges and barriers to the effective implementation of laws and policies aimed at addressing intimate partner violence in South Africa.
About the Dialogue
The dialogue deliberated on key issues and challenges to access to IPV services identified through policy analysis and the lived experiences of survivors of IPV.
Participants
This initial dialogue brought together approximately 25 representatives from government and civil society stakeholder groups actively engaged in responding to IPV. Participants were invited on the basis of their contribution to the issues of women’s safety and elimination of IPV.
In September and October, the RHR and Key Population teams carried out HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign (HTS) activities and health screenings at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). As part of the HTS campaign, Sonke also provided confidential health screening (including BP testing, sugar diabetes testing, TB screening, STI screening, and pregnancy testing).
The team mobilized students and staff to use these services. The RHR team tested a total of 500 students on the CPUT D6 campus.
Sonke facilitated a GBV session with approximately 70 male Goodwood Prison staffers on October 27, 2021 at their staff outing in Paarl. The focus of the session was on value clarification. The session was very interactive, and the entire team participated. A follow-up meeting was requested with both male and female staff at Goodwood Prison.
This is the second issue of an evolving report, planned for publication every three years. It can be used in the development of policy and legislation for families, labour market regulations, educational curricula, and other training materials. It can be referenced as a source of expert information for advocacy and community groups, individual families, and legislative committees. It contains specific recommendations for shifting norms towards gender-equitable parenting, and highlights men’s caregiving as an institutional and social priority. The report promotes a nuanced approach to fatherhood for improved support for families in South Africa.
Our Youth gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate in a five-day capacity building workshop on Gender Norm and Female genital mutilation (FGM) Advocacy. The workshop was held from 27th September – 01 October 2021. The workshop’s aim is important to strengthen young people’s capacity on GTA to enable them to challenge harmful social and discriminatory norms that perpetuate FGM in their communities.
At the end of the workshop, a Youth Regional Forum Representatives was chosen to further establish a regional youth platform that will be coordinated through the MEA (MenEngage Africa) Youth Structure to advocate for the elimination of FGM at a regional and national level through challenging harmful social norms and practices.
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