Intensifying Efforts Towards Male Engagement to Prevent Femicide and Violence against Women and Girls
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UN Women Kenya and UNESCO held a National Young Male Dialogue Forum on December 9 2024 to intensify efforts towards the intentional engagement of men as frontline champions in preventing femicide and violence against women and girls.
Male engagement is an approach to constructively involve men and boys for the benefit of both genders. The National Young Male Dialogue Forum examined the transformative impact that can be realized in engaging men as change agents to end femicide and pervasive violence against women and girls.
The Forum also delved into how gender norms shape the experience of men and boys as well as understanding the effect of stereotypes on men and boys, by promoting a deeper understanding of the social construction of masculinities in specific cultural and societal contexts
“Men can support gender equality by advocating for women's rights, endorsing gender-sensitive policies, and participating in gender equality-led campaigns to raise awareness on women’s empowerment. Many men are starting to challenge the pressure associated with traditional masculinity. They are using their voices and privilege to shift norms and perceptions about gender and working to address the patriarchal beliefs, practices, institutions and structures that have contributed to inequality between men and women. Men’s participation in helping to shape the future of gender roles and relations is crucial,” said Mr Sebastian Gatimu, UN Women Kenya Planning and Coordination Expert at the opening of the session.
Kenya has a target to end gender-based violence by 2026. Men must play a role in actualizing such goals. Additionally, the Kenya National Policy on Gender and Development of 2019 promotes male involvement in managing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This is a huge step towards ensuring that men’s involvement is gender-sensitive in both the public and private spheres.
“Male counterparts are defenders of women and girls who are suffering in every community around the world. While women must continue to lead the movement for gender equality, we need to engage boys and young men more intentionally to achieve gender equality as well as prevent femicide and violence against women and girls,” Mr Gatimu added.
UN Women Kenya and UNESCO are working on mechanisms that will integrate young men into the National Male Engagement and Inclusion Strategy.