Engaging men in the fight for women's empowerment involves recognizing their pivotal role as allies and advocates for gender equality. Historically, discussions on women empowerment often focused primarily on women, yet involving men and boys is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to the course for gender equality.
By educating and engaging men, the hope is to break down societal norms, stereotypes, and expectations that perpetuate gender inequalities. To leverage the influence of men and boys means creating spaces for open dialogue, where they can actively support and amplify the voices of women, challenge harmful behaviors, and actively participate in dismantling systemic inequalities.
The All Men Conference
To amplify the influence of men in the fight to eradicate gender based violence, UNFPA The Gambia recently supported a groundbreaking All Men Conference anchored on the theme: Leveraging the Influence of Men to end FGM and Child Marriage. The conference organized by Men For Equality, gathered men from diverse backgrounds and professions, provided a platform for open dialogue and collective action towards addressing societal norms and promoting positive masculinity. The event witnessed a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives on crucial issues such as gender-based violence and the role of men in achieving gender equality.
UNFPA The Gambia’s commitment to advancing gender equality was highlighted through its collaboration with local partners in organizing this crucial event. The event has been described by many as timely, coming amidst a looming roll back of the gains made to empower women and girls of The Gambia in the wake of calls for the repeal of the FGM law.
Speaking at the sidelines of the conference, Momodu G Jallow, Regional Education Director for the Lower River Region said male engagement is a prerequisite for gender equality and eliminating all forms of harmful practices against women and girls. He stressed the importance of the conference especially for those in positions of responsibility adding that it will enable them understand the need to empower women and give them their rightful positions in the society.
For Alagie F Jallow, a journalist who engages with grassroots communities, “empowering men with the knowledge and tools to champion gender equality is pivotal in creating a more just and balanced society. We must actively engage men in conversations and actions that support the rights and dignity of all individuals. Men should take the lead to advocate for the rights of women.
I call on men to speak out against all harmful practices meted out against women in the name of religion and culture.”
The duo emphasized the need for strengthened legal measures and a well-resourced security sector to adequately implement laws protecting women and girls.
With UNFPA's support, initiatives like this aim to create a ripple effect, inspiring men to become champions for gender equality.
What is next after the conference?
Following this conference, a regional, intergenerational engagement will be held across the across to sensitize grassroots communities on the need for male involvement in women empowerment. Going forward, the convergence will be held annually during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence to evaluate the implementation of commitments made at the conference.
Declaration and Call to Action
See below part of the declaration and call to action emanating from the conference.
“We commit no to cut our daughters and not to tolerate the mutilations of our daughters and other girls in our families. We will protect them against mutilations as per the basic principles of Islam.
We commit ourselves to denounce and report all cases of rape, sexual violence and child marriage that we come across in our daily activities with the objective to protect women and girls.
We will encourage other men in the communities to be responsible in their sexual behavior and to be against rape and any other case of sexual abuse and exploitation.
We will encourage other men to marry girls who are not mutilated, who are saleema, in a God-given condition
We will encourage other men not to marry any girls under the age of 18, and to give girls a chance to complete their education. They will be better wives for us and better mothers to our children.”
Media Contact:
Fatoumatta Cham, Program Analyst,Communications (fcham@unfpa.org)
