Sonke Gender Justice

Publication Type: Reports

  • Policy Report: Uganda

    Policy Report: Uganda

    The analysis found that Uganda’s policies and plans regarding HIV need to be updated, and should include a stronger emphasis on targeting men and influencing gender norms. Gender-based violence (GBV) policies and plans prioritise the need to engage with men, but that the accompanying laws are lacking. While the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policies are strong in terms of engaging with men as clients of SRH, they are weak in terms of engaging with men as partners or as advocates for change. Uganda’s parenting policies are inconsistent in terms of positively engaging with men.

    This Policy Report has been developed to be used as an advocacy tool for civil society, policymakers and decision-makers to identify key areas for policy advocacy, and better understand and strengthen a focus on engaging men within laws and policies for gender equality.

  • Policy Report: South Africa

    Policy Report: South Africa

    The analysis found that South Africa has developed a strong National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB 2012–2016 in terms of engaging men and boys, a strong 365 Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence, and is a best practice example in terms of LGBTI policy and law in Africa. The 365 Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence, however, needs to be updated and there are some weaknesses within policies related to sexual and reproductive health and parenting. Generally, it is recommended that policies, laws and plans utilise more specific language and identify achievable strategies to address the problems they recognise and articulate. Where applicable, it is important that laws, policies and plans make provisions for the costing and budgeting of programmes, together with clear implementation plans.

    This Policy Report has been developed to be used as an advocacy tool for civil society, policymakers and decision-makers to identify key areas for policy advocacy, and better understand and strengthen a focus on engaging men within laws and policies for gender equality.

  • Detailed Policy Report for South Africa

    Detailed Policy Report for South Africa

    The analysis found that South Africa has developed a strong National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB 2012–2016 in terms of engaging men and boys, a strong 365 Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence, and is a best practice example in terms of LGBTI policy and law in Africa. The 365 Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence, however, needs to be updated and there are some weaknesses within policies related to sexual and reproductive health and parenting. Generally, it is recommended that policies, laws and plans utilise more specific language and identify achievable strategies to address the problems they recognise and articulate. Where applicable, it is important that laws, policies and plans make provisions for the costing and budgeting of programmes, together with clear implementation plans.

  • Policy Report: Sierra Leone

    Policy Report: Sierra Leone

    The analysis found that although Sierra Leone’s National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS 2011–2015 was published in 2011, it has not incorporated a sufficient focus on gender issues, or on the need to engage with men. With the passing of the Sexual Offences Act in August 2012, it is hoped that the political will to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone will continue to strengthen. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policies do not sufficiently address men’s SRH needs, and do not take advantage of the benefits that men can provide through supporting their partners’ SRH. Certain policies that relate to parenting in Sierra Leone may reinforce traditional gender norms, rather than challenging such norms in order to encourage men to be more involved in parenting.

    This Policy Report has been developed to be used as an advocacy tool for civil society, policymakers and decision-makers to identify key areas for policy advocacy, and better understand and strengthen a focus on engaging men within laws and policies for gender equality.

  • Policy Report: Rwanda

    Policy Report: Rwanda

    The analysis found that Rwanda’s policies and plans compare favourably with many other countries in the region in relation to the engagement of men and boys. In particular Rwanda has some very strong policies related to gender-based violence (GBV). While there are aspects within the Rwandan Law on Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence that are problematic, commendably it does criminalise marital rape. There are a number of strengths in terms of engaging men within the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS and the National Accelerated Plan for Women, Girls, Gender Equality & HIV. However, certain sexual and reproductive health and rights policies do not adequately engage with men, and Rwanda’s parenting policies do not enable men to prioritize their role as fathers.

    This Policy Report has been developed to be used as an advocacy tool for civil society, policymakers and decision-makers to identify key areas for policy advocacy, and better understand and strengthen a focus on engaging men within laws and policies for gender equality.

  • Detailed Policy Report for Rwanda

    Detailed Policy Report for Rwanda

    The analysis found that Rwanda’s policies and plans compare favourably with many other countries in the region in relation to the engagement of men and boys. In particular Rwanda has some very strong policies related to gender-based violence (GBV). While there are aspects within the Rwandan Law on Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence that are problematic, commendably it does criminalise marital rape. There are a number of strengths in terms of engaging men within the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS and the National Accelerated Plan for Women, Girls, Gender Equality & HIV. However, certain sexual and reproductive health and rights policies do not adequately engage with men, and Rwanda’s parenting policies do not enable men to prioritize their role as fathers.

  • Policy Report: Kenya

    Policy Report: Kenya

    The analysis found that Kenya’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and parenting policies seek to positively engage with men in a number of ways. Unfortunately, while there are positive aspects to Kenya’s National AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) and Kenya’s gender-based violence (GBV) policies, these policies generally fall short in terms of engaging with men and boys. It is recommended that Kenya’s policies, laws and plans utilise specific language to articulate a commitment to the engagement of men, and identify strategies to address the issues they recognise and articulate. It is especially important for policies to acknowledge the role played by gender norms and plan work that aims to address and transform gender norms.

    This Policy Report has been developed to be used as an advocacy tool for civil society, policymakers and decision-makers to identify key areas for policy advocacy, and better understand and strengthen a focus on engaging men within laws and policies for gender equality.

  • Detailed Policy Report for Kenya

    Detailed Policy Report for Kenya

    The analysis found that Kenya’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and parenting policies seek to positively engage with men in a number of ways. Unfortunately, while there are positive aspects to Kenya’s National AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) and Kenya’s gender-based violence (GBV) policies, these policies generally fall short in terms of engaging with men and boys. It is recommended that Kenya’s policies, laws and plans utilise specific language to articulate a commitment to the engagement of men, and identify strategies to address the issues they recognise and articulate. It is especially important for policies to acknowledge the role played by gender norms and plan work that aims to address and transform gender norms.

  • MenEngage Africa Mid-Term Evaluation 2011 – 2013

    MenEngage Africa Mid-Term Evaluation 2011 – 2013

    MenEngage is a global alliance of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) located within the global south and north and United Nations (UN) agencies that was established in 2004. MenEngage Africa (MEA) has been supported by funding by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Oak Foundation through Sonke Gender Justice Network (Sonke) since 2011. The objectives were to strengthen MEA through institutionalising country networks, establishing regional network structures, expanding policy advocacy, strengthening strategic alliances, conducting research and establishing a training programme. The purpose of the mid-term evaluation was to assess MEAs relevance, efficiency and effectiveness, determine achievements and lessons learned, and provide guidance on the way forward.

    Evaluation methods involved an extensive review of programme documentation to determine the extent of programme outputs and achievements. This guided a qualitative research process involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) and one focus group discussion (FGD) with Sonke staff, stakeholders and participants in the MEA programme. The research was conducted between September and November 2013 and included 66 participants globally. IDIs were conducted through Skype or telephone, as well in person in Cape Town, Nairobi and Windhoek, while the FGD was conducted in Nairobi. Data was collected on a confidential basis and analysis was aided by transcribed digital recordings.

  • Regional Parliamentary Structures

    Regional Parliamentary Structures

    This report has been developed by Sonke Gender Justice, on behalf of the MenEngage Africa Network, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report provides a description of parliamentary structures linked to the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa and aims to support efforts by civil society organisations to participate in their processes and initiate collaborative activities with these structures. Known as the Regional Parliamentary Assemblies (RPA), these institutions are “intended to assume the legislative and democratic oversight functions of regional integration organisations and processes”. The RPAs described in this report include those of the African Union (AU); the Southern African Development Community (SADC); the East African Community (EAC); and the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS).

  • HIV Blind Spot

    HIV Blind Spot

    Evidence shows that men are significantly underrepresented in HIV and AIDS testing and treatment services — both in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally. HIV policies within Sub-Saharan Africa also have insufficient focus on ensuring national HIV responses encourage men to test, access anti-retroviral treatment and support the disproportionate burden of HIV care on women. Addressing these challenges is important for everyone’s sake; while it is bad for men’s health, it places expensive and unnecessary burdens on women and on health systems. Further steps should be taken so that programming and policies encourage men and women to know their status, access treatment and to live healthily. Such approaches should happen within the context of addressing power differentials between men and women at all levels. This includes challenging the broader patriarchal power structures in which gender plays out, such as the assumption that care work is ‘women’s work’ and therefore less valued, and the rigidity of gender norms that encourage men to participate in risk-taking behaviours that put their life and the life of those around them in jeopardy.

  • MATI Mentorship Programme Evaluation Report

    MATI Mentorship Programme Evaluation Report

    The MenEngage Africa Training Initiative (MATI) Mentorship Programme was established as part of the commitment to provide ongoing support to MATI participants as they implemented their Projects for Change in their respective countries. Participants were paired with highly skilled mentors that have worked in the fields of gender justice and human rights and have demonstrated project management experience. Mentors were to give consistent support, guidance and concrete assistance to ensure participants’ project outcomes. Therefore, the main aim of the Mentorship Programme was to afford participants ongoing professional guidance and leadership role models that would be available to them for the duration of their projects.

    This report details the findings of a mid-term evaluation of the first MATI Mentorship programme which took place between April and May 2013. A total of 18 mentors and 23 mentees completed a questionnaire which sought to capture their experiences of the programme so as to improve subsequent mentorship programmes related to MATI. Overall, the findings indicated that both mentors and mentees found this aspect of the training course very useful, giving them another avenue to hone the skills and knowledge gained during the training course in August 2012. However, feedback indicated that both mentors and mentees were faced with a number of obstacles. This report focuses on the main challenges encountered and provides recommendations for how to take the Mentorship Programme forward.

  • Sonke Gender Justice Network’s Progress Report to the 57th UN CSW

    Sonke Gender Justice Network’s Progress Report to the 57th UN CSW

    This report was compiled by Sonke for the 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which has as its key theme “the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.” The report aims to: (a) describe the nature and extent of men’s violence against women and girls in South Africa; (b) provide a rationale for engaging men and boys in responding to and preventing violence against women and in promoting gender equality; (c) outline government’s international and domestic commitments to working with men and boys towards gender equality; (d) review progress against commitments; (e) identify key gaps and ongoing challenges; and (f) provide recommendations for how the South African government can scale up work with men and boys for gender equality.

  • Evaluation of South Africa’s Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services

    Evaluation of South Africa’s Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services

    The Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) is a vital watchdog body that oversees South Africa’s correctional system, mandated to inspect and report on the treatment of inmates.The correctional system faces many challenges such as overcrowding, high levels of HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), violence, and short staffing.The mass corruption and administrative struggles of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) that were documented in the 2006 report by the Jali Commission of Inquiry highlighted that the situation was so dire that the Department was arguably no longer governable. Abuse and rights violations remain in South Africa’s prisons even though DCS has improved its performance in some respects, for example, by providing access to anti-retrovirals and condoms. The McCallum case, in which Bradley McCallum and a group of inmates in St. Albans prison were physically and sexually assaulted in a manner amounting to torture, and the riots and deaths in Groenpunt and St. Alban’s prisons in early 2013, are examples of serious mismanagement and abuses that continue.

    In order for JICS to be an effective oversight body, it requires institutional independence, and cooperation and support from other public entities, particularly from DCS. JICS currently faces challenges in both these areas. This paper analyses these and other challenges, and explores ways in which the independence and success of JICS can be strengthened, drawing lessons from similar watchdog bodies in South Africa and various other countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Mauritius and Zambia. Certain features of these institutions might serve as examples for how JICS could potentially be restructured to strengthen its ability to carry out its mandate.

    Lastly, JICS has also been a critical bridge between an often non-transparent correctional system and community organisations, other stakeholders, and the general public. Considering DCS’ positioning of inmate rehabilitation as a community responsibility, there is a distinct role for civil society and community organisations to play in supporting JICS. Hence this paper outlines ways in which stakeholders can lend capacity.

  • Scorecard on GBV Laws and Policies

    Scorecard on GBV Laws and Policies

    This scorecard provides an assessment of whether national policies and laws in the African region attempt to engage men and boys in the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence (GBV). This report analyses policies and laws from eleven African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It identifies various strengths and gaps within the region’s GBV policies and laws with regards to their inclusion of language relating to the proactive and progressive engagement of men and boys. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for how such policies can increase the commitment and capacity of men and boys to play a proactive role in preventing and eliminating GBV. While this scorecard reviews the content of GBV related laws and policies, it does not evaluate the extent to which laws and policies are being implemented.

  • Integrating Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence and Engage Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality through National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS

    Integrating Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence and Engage Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality through National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS

    The last two decades have seen growing recognition of and attention to gender inequality – including gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful gender norms – as a cause and consequence of HIV. Recently, an expanding evidence-base confirms the linkages between HIV, gender inequality, and violence against women and girls. Despite this, programming and policies to address the intersection have not yet reached the scale, depth, or breadth required to reverse the overlapping epidemics of GBV and of HIV. National HIV strategies and plans (NSPs) are critical spaces for addressing these twin epidemics, yet the HIV policy framework in the Eastern and Southern Africa regions has only a weak focus on the relationship between HIV and GBV to date.

    The three-day regional meeting in Johannesburg, December 2012, convened by the UN Interagency Working Group on Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV in partnership with the ATHENA Network, HEARD, MenEngage Alliance, and Sonke Gender Justice, aimed to review national policies, strategies, and plans (including but not limited to NSPs), and assess the strengths and weaknesses of these plans with regard to addressing GBV and engaging men and boys for gender equality; identify priority areas and gaps; and, develop country action plans to strengthen cross-cutting attention to gender equality, GBV, and engaging men and boys in their national planning processes and forthcoming national HIV strategies and plans.

    Six countries from Eastern and Southern Africa were represented at the meeting: Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Meeting delegates were drawn from government, specifically National AIDS Councils/Ministry of Health and Ministry of Gender or Women’s Affairs (or equivalent); networks of women living with HIV; civil society organizations addressing GBV and women’s rights; civil society organizations working with men and boys to advance gender equality; and relevant UN country offices.

  • Integrating Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence and Engage Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality through National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS

    Integrating Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence and Engage Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality through National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS

    Two global consultations – one in Nairobi and the other in Istanbul – were convened in 2010 and 2011 respectively, and aimed to review current National Strategic Plans on HIV
and AIDS (NSPs), to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these plans with regard to addressing gender-based violence and engaging men and boys for gender equality, and to develop country action plans for advocacy to address priority issues and gaps.

    Approximately half the delegates at these meetings took part in the impact and needs assessment study, conducted by means of online surveys and in-depth interviews. It is difficult to draw generalized findings from the survey, due to the differing nature, context, stage and trajectory of countries’ HIV epidemics, and due to the differing perspectives of actors within country delegations. However, what comes across clearly, from the survey and the interviews, is that the meetings had a catalytic effect on thinking, policy and practice regarding the urgency to address gender-based violence as a cause and consequence of HIV, and the need to engage men and boys as agents of positive change to halt gender-based violence, and bring about more gender equitable communities.

  • MATI Training Course Report 2012

    MATI Training Course Report 2012

    The first ‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice Training Course’ which was held from 20-30 August 2012 at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, aimed at increasing the capacity of organisations and individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa to lead gender justice programmes that engage men as partners and agents of change. Hosted by Sonke Gender Justice Network (Sonke), the MenEngage Africa Network and the Women’s Health Research Unit of the University of Cape Town (UCT), it brought together 23 participants from 13 counties across Africa. Overall, participants found the training extremely useful. They received new information, the objectives were met and the training covered the issues they wanted to know about. The training affected the knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices of the participants. As part of the post-course follow up, mentors and a virtual network were provided to all participants to offer them on-going professional guidance and support beyond the initial training.

  • MenEngage Africa Regional Consultation on Child Rights, SRHR, LGBTI and Women’s Empowerment

    MenEngage Africa Regional Consultation on Child Rights, SRHR, LGBTI and Women’s Empowerment

    The purpose of the consultative meeting sought to review and strengthen a regional agenda in order to scale up MenEngage work in the region; impact and sustainability of work with men in enhancing gender equality, focusing particularly on strengthening partnerships, shared work and accountability with women’s rights organizations, including positive women’s networks, SRHR, LGBTI, and child rights organizations.

    In particular, this meeting sought to build the necessary momentum and collaboration to further advance this work across Africa. It also ensured that the work remains accountable to, and in close collaboration with, a range of partners and organizations, particularly the women’s movement. Moreover, it provided a road map for scaling up MenEgage activities, the impact and sustainability of work over the next 2-3 years with men and boys on promoting gender equality, preventing GBV and sexual exploitation, and reducing the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS within Africa.

  • Overview and Summary Report of Brothers for Life Campaign

    Overview and Summary Report of Brothers for Life Campaign

    Brothers for Life (B4L) is a multi-faceted campaign targeting men over the age of 30 years and younger men to impact on specific areas of knowledge and practices in HIV prevention. With the largest community mobilisation component of any initiative yet undertaken by the USAID/JHU HIV Communication Programme in South Africa, Brothers for Life aspires to be a social movement rather than a “mere” campaign.

    B4L was launched in August 2009 and was still active in October 2012 when this document was written. JHHESA developed and managed B4L as part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs (JHU-CCP) HIV Communication Programme in South Africa.

  • Study on Involving Men and Boys in Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Conflict, Post-Conflict and Humanitarian Settings

    Study on Involving Men and Boys in Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Conflict, Post-Conflict and Humanitarian Settings

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Sonke Gender Justice Network undertook a study on involving men and boys in preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings. The study aimed to document good practice in strengthening programming in this field. The upheaval that individuals and communities experience as a result of these particular settings (conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian crisis settings) gives rise to unique challenges, such as an exacerbation of power imbalances between men and women.

    The findings of this study reveal that men and boys are sometimes included in GBV programming in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings only when programmes that target and empower women result in men feeling excluded, resulting in an increase in GBV. It is therefore necessary that there are concurrent strategies for involving women, men, girls and boys where the focus for men and boys is to deconstruct masculinities and the focus for women and girls is empowerment. The study also came to the conclusion that perpetrators of GBV and youth are unfortunately often neglected in GBV prevention and response programmes even when they represent key target groups in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings.

    In order to address the underlying causes of GBV in stable and unstable settings, intervention programmes need to be gender transformative, meaning that they promote equitable relationships, challenge harmful and/or rigid gender norms and change gender relations.

    Many programmes are struggling to achieve gender transformation. However, a good starting point is to build on community participation to carry out and manage GBV prevention and response programmes, and to base these programmes on the lived experiences of the participants. Nevertheless, the study does indicate some progress in gender transformation. Some informants express that GBV has decreased, that men increasingly solve conflicts through dialogue and that work towards changing gender norms has allowed men to take on traditionally female tasks and roles, thus promoting gender transformation.

    Furthermore, conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings provide a chance to re-negotiate attitudes, behaviours and values. Engaging men and boys in a gender transformative way in these settings is therefore an important window of opportunity to deal with GBV across the continent.

  • Do you have the Courage to Change? Choose to be Non-Violent

    Do you have the Courage to Change? Choose to be Non-Violent

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Sonke Gender Justice Network’s study on involving men and boys in preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings aimed to document good practice in strengthening programming in this field. In order to address the underlying causes of GBV in stable and unstable settings intervention programmes need to be gender transformative and hence promote equitable relationships, challenge male gender norms and change gender relations.

    Many programmes are struggling with achieving gender transformation. Building on community participation for carrying out and managing GBV prevention and response programmes and basing programmes on the lived experiences of the participants is, however, a good starting point in achieving gender transformation. Nonetheless, the study indicates progress since some informants express that GBV has decreased, that men increasingly solve conflicts through dialogue and that changing gender norms allow men to take on traditionally female tasks/roles, and this results in changed behaviours that promote gender transformation. Furthermore, conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings provide a chance to re-negotiate attitudes, behaviours and values. It is therefore an important window of opportunity for engaging men and boys in a gender transformative way to deal with GBV across the continent.

  • A Call to Action on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision

    A Call to Action on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision

    In this report, AVAC, National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK), Sonke Gender Justice and Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organizations (UNASO) summarize the latest evidence on VMMC. After reviewing the evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of VMMC in preventing new infections, the report surveys the current state of progress in bringing VMMC services to scale. It also examines key factors that influence the success of efforts to promote scale-up of VMMC. This analysis supports the authors’ Call to Action. Recommendations from the Call to Action also appear alongside relevant topics throughout the text.

    The goal of this Call to Action and the supporting report is to unite diverse stakeholders at country, regional and global levels in an unprecedented joint undertaking to capitalize on the unique promise of VMMC to reverse national epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Rapport atelier de reflexion COMEN

    Rapport atelier de reflexion COMEN