The Inaugural Course
The first MenEngage Africa Training Initiative course, “Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa”, took place at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, from the 20th to the 30th of August 2012. It brought together 23 participants – 14 males and nine females) from 14 African countries. The participants came from countries covering the eastern, western and southern regions of Africa – Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The course content was delivered by global and regional experts and leaders in the fields of gender, human rights and social justice, for example, on topics such as “Why Engage Men?” and “Gender, Culture, Tradition and Religion.” Evaluations from the first course indicated that participants found the training very useful and it increased their knowledge and skills by 41%. This is a positive outcome demonstrating that the modules on the course were effective in transferring knowledge and skills to participants on how to work with men and boys for gender equality.
Target Audience
The course is intended for gender activists, programme staff and project managers from women’s rights, children’s rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, and LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sexed) organisations, youth leaders, government officials, United Nations (UN) agency representatives, donors, academics and media advocates.
Who is Eligible?
The ideal candidate will:
- Work in a field where they can influence gender justice and gender equality through their position within non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), government, UN agencies, donors, academic institutions, faith-based organisations, juridical systems or other relevant organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a minimum of 3-5 years work experience in gender, advocacy, human rights, social justice and/or sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.
- Demonstrate commitment and interest in strategies and programmes aimed at engaging men for gender equality within Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have proven and demonstrable leadership experience/skills.
- Have a basic understanding of gender issues, particularly around gender justice.
- Demonstrate an understanding, commitment and willingness to be part of an intense two-week residential course.
- Have an innovative proposal for a ‘Project for Change’, to be implemented on completion of the course.
- Have the support of their organisation for both participation in the course and implementation of their Project for Change (where applicable).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, human rights, health rights, gender or other relevant fields (practical experience will be taken into account in lieu of an educational background).
- Be fluent in English.
- Have interest or experience in running training courses.
