Men to Men Consultation on Gender Based Violence

Gender, Women, Rights.

Violence perpetrated against women and girls impedes the achievement of better education and health care, economic empowerment, social status, improved human dignity, and a sense of security and peace. This problem is sometimes seen not as a crisis but, rather, as an unchangeable, deeply entrenched norm. Men have been identified as the major perpetrators of gender-based violence, yet the majority of men do not consider themselves violators of women and girls.

The strategy of involving men in the campaign for the elimination of violence against women has its roots in several countries in Africa. In 1997 and 1998, male marches in support of the campaign were carried out in South Africa and Kenya, respectively. While maintaining a focus on the goal of achieving equality between women and men, FEMNET recognises that men still hold power and authority in African society at all levels; this power needs to be cultivated to change the political, policy, social, economic and other systems and structures that impede women's progress. Equipped with awareness and sensitivity and advocacy skills, men might reach other men with the message that gender-based violence is an affront to masculinity and manhood.

FEMNET is also linked with a global dialogue on the Role of Men in Combating Violence on Women, an initiative of the United Nations International Research Institute (INSTRAW), as part of the global efforts to get men involved in the global campaign against violence on women. The materials generated through the INSTRAW dialogue were used to inform the campaign.

The Consultation was part of an ongoing long-term campaign in six to ten African countries that was developed with feedback by teams of male supporters. Timed to coincide with the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Violence on Women, the Consultation had the following long-term goals:

• better services to protect and support potential victims of gender-based violence;
• justice for victims of violence;
• the review, repeal, and change of outdated laws and the creation of new laws to combat gender-based violence;
• new regulations to outlaw gender-based violence in public places, work places and institutions;
• the development of an active network of men who support societies free of gender-based violence;
• increased male responsibility, as well as changed attitudes and behaviour towards women;
• the slowed spread of HIV/AIDS;
• creation of new concepts of African masculinity and values of manhood;
• media programme directed at men in support of gender equality; and
• more research and studies on gender based violence.

The Consultation resulted in the formation of the African Network of Men Against Gender Based Violence. Men have sought to join the Network in Malawi, where a number of male-dominated agencies work to deal with issues of gender-based violence. Similar groups of men who oppose violence against women have been formed in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. FEMNET will work with groups participating in this network in Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, and South Africa to implement national as well as regional activities, seeking to draw more male groups from other countries into the Network as the programme develops. The Consultation resulted in further ideas for activities at the national and regional levels; follow-up action is underway.