The fight against gender-based violence (GBV) is gaining momentum as UN Women Kenya and UNESCO intensify efforts to engage men as frontline champions in preventing femicide and violence against women and girls. Through targeted initiatives, these organisations are integrating men and boys into the broader movement for gender equality, emphasizing their critical role in shaping a violence-free future.
A Shift Towards Inclusive Approaches
UN Women Kenya is collaborating with stakeholders to develop programs that enhance male engagement and build capacity to prevent GBV. The approach is anchored on the understanding that involving men and boys as change agents is essential for sustainable impact. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper awareness of societal and cultural constructions of masculinity, encouraging men to challenge traditional gender norms that perpetuate inequality.
Sebastian Gatimu, Planning and Coordination Expert at UN Women Kenya, highlighted the importance of male involvement. “Male counterparts are defenders of women and girls suffering in every community around the world. While women’s movements will continue to lead the charge for gender equality, engaging boys and young men intentionally is key to preventing femicide and violence against women and girls,” he said.
Harnessing the Power of Dialogue
The National Young Male Dialogue, hosted by UN Women Kenya and UNESCO, brought together young men to discuss their transformative role in ending GBV. The forum explored how gender norms shape the experiences of men and boys and examined stereotypes that influence their attitudes and behaviors.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on the pressures of traditional masculinity and its impact on relationships, communities, and societal structures. By understanding these dynamics, men are better positioned to advocate for women’s rights, support gender-sensitive policies, and participate in awareness campaigns for women’s empowerment.
Breaking Barriers with Advocacy
The focus on male engagement aligns with Kenya’s ambitious target to end GBV by 2026. The Kenya National Policy on Gender and Development (2019) underscores the role of men in managing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This policy serves as a framework to guide efforts toward achieving gender equality and curbing violence through collaborative strategies.
“Men’s participation in shaping the future of gender roles and relations is crucial,” said Gatimu. “Many men are now using their voices and privilege to challenge patriarchal norms, shift perceptions about gender, and work towards dismantling institutions and practices that perpetuate inequality.”
A Call to Action
Ending GBV requires collective action, with men playing a pivotal role in redefining gender dynamics. By stepping up as advocates for gender equality, men can contribute to creating safer communities where women and girls thrive. Initiatives like the National Male Engagement and Inclusion Strategy provide a platform to harness the potential of young men as allies in this transformative journey.
The intentional inclusion of men and boys represents a significant shift in how gender equality is pursued. While women’s movements continue to lead the charge, the active participation of men signals a future where traditional gender roles are reimagined for the benefit of all.
As Kenya aims to meet its 2026 GBV eradication target, the collaborative efforts of UN Women Kenya, UNESCO, and other stakeholders demonstrate that true equality is achievable only when everyone is part of the solution. Through continued advocacy, dialogue, and capacity-building, men can become champions of change, ensuring that violence against women and girls becomes a thing of the past.
