Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Africa, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Despite progressive legislation, deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and unequal power structures continue to fuel violence, discrimination, and systemic gender inequality. GBV manifests in various forms—domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and economic marginalization—all of which hinder the full participation of women and girls in society.
Speaking at the Regional Forum on Positive Masculinity and the Fight Against GBV, Ms. Anne Wang’ombe, Permanent Secretary at the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, emphasized the forum’s role in supporting the ratification and implementation of the African Union (AU) Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).
“The landmark Convention, now adopted by AU Heads of State and Government, marks a critical step toward addressing GBV and advancing gender equality on the continent,” she said.
Harmful social norms remain deeply embedded despite progress in policy, legislation, and advocacy.
“Positive masculinity is a powerful tool in our collective journey toward gender justice,” said Ms. Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, UN Women’s Representative in Kenya. “It calls on men and boys to reject harmful ideals of masculinity that associate manhood with dominance, aggression, or control. Instead, it promotes empathy, accountability, respect, and partnership.”
Positive masculinity transforms attitudes by encouraging men to become allies in fostering healthy, respectful relationships. Real progress, however, depends on practical strategies that challenge harmful gender norms and meaningfully involve men and boys in the movement for change.
The global community recently convened at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) / Beijing +30 to assess progress toward gender equality, three decades after the Beijing Platform for Action. The session highlighted the essential role of male engagement in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
“I’m pleased to share that UN Women, in collaboration with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action and other stakeholders in the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) space, has facilitated the development of the first draft of a National Male Engagement and Inclusion Strategy,” Ms. N’gabala Sodonon concluded.
