Working with boxers to champion positive masculinity
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Dr. Maxime Houinato shares a light moment with Captain of the She Bombers Emily Nakalema. Photo: UN Women/ Aidah Nanyonjo
UN Women, UNAIDS have signed a partnership worth $30,000 with the Uganda Boxing Federation to promote positive masculinity for women empowerment and ending violence against women and girls.
UN Women Country Representative Dr. Maxime Houinato said, “Our common goal is to contribute to ending Violence against Women and Girls, through redefining "positive masculinity" and social expectations from ‘strong men’ in Uganda.”
UN Women intends to fight the rampant and persistent violence against women by engaging with boxers to act as ambassadors for positive masculinities.
“We are building a cadre of men and women who can project the message that we want the community to know. We want the boxers to work as ambassadors in portraying positive masculinity and ending violence against women,” said Dr. Houinato.
He added that UN Women wants to provide opportunities for young girls involved in boxing to display capacity and good image, as well as embracing skills development and education.
Uganda Boxing Federation has about 30% women. She Bombers Coach Mercy Mukankusi noted that female boxers especially mothers go through lots of challenges. The funding will enable them to sort out such challenges to enable them to participate actively in the game.
Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president, Moses Muhangi said the partnership will help develop the boxing sport, skills, boxers and the country as whole.
On changing the perception that boxers are violent people and illiterate, Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president, Moses Muhangi said, “it is never too late to end violence. We want boxers to do boxing in the ring, when they are outside the ring, we want them to portray peaceful co-existence between men and women in the communities”. He added that “This is a life time partnership. We shall continue to be ambassadors in fighting violence against women and girls until when the vice is uprooted. If you want to push your agenda into the communities, this is the sport for you. We are ready to push your agenda in the communities”.