How Africa's Men Are Helping to End Gender-Based Violence

Village Headman Patete from the district of Machinga in Malawi has for a long time campaigned in his community for recognition of the importance of equality between girls and boys. To support him in his quest to support girls' education, the Spotlight Initiative, funded by the European Union has given him an opportunity to attend a training session. As a pillar of his community, his opinion is important in changing the way men and boys think about the role of women and girls. The training focused on ending sexual and gender-based violence, and increasing awareness of human rights.

In Uganda's Kitgum District, the Spotlight Initiative, UN Women and the Uganda Police Force engaged male vendors on ending violence against women and girls, as part of a 16 Days of Activism. The champions were equipped with the skills to act as role models and change agents for other men in their communities. They are offered training where they learned about the role of women's rights in reducing gender-based violence; the importance of family planning services for women and how to encourage men to explore those services with their wives; positive parenting techniques that promote gender equality; and safe sexual behaviours that promote women's bodily autonomy and agency.

"Being a male champion means reporting forms of abuse, acting as a source of change and inspiration for men, and being a role model for mindset change. It also means advocating for the rights of women and girls, and working to increase their visibility in society," said local government Community Development Officer, Wilfred Nyeko. In addition to training male champions to advocate for gender equality in their communities, LandNet Uganda conducted sensitisation meetings and forums with 2,206 community members - to raise awareness about women's rights in relation to access to land, increase the level of women's participation in decision-making and governance, and help women understand what services are available to them if they experience violence.