Men's awareness in fighting GBV on the rise
What you need to know:
- Sixteen champions who made significant changes in society in the fight against GBV through various activities were recognised during the event.
Dar es Salaam. The response and awareness of men about their role in fighting against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices in communities have increased, according to Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) Tanzania.
The organisation said the trend will help the government meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bridge the gender gap.
WiLDAF) Tanzania director Anna Kulaya revealed this on Thursday, December 11, 2023, at the climax of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
Sixteen champions who made significant changes in society in the fight against GBV through various activities were recognised during the event.
“For the past four years since we started recognising GBV champions, this year we have witnessed a big number of men who have started to understand the consequences of GBV and realised that GBV is a national calamity that needs to be addressed and fought by everyone,” she said.
Ms Kulaya said 700 people submitted their entries on GBV work projects, 70 percent of them men, showing that men's awareness of GBV is increasing.
Judges, working together with the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence (MKUKI), went through the entries and chose the best 16 champions whose works have positively impacted their respective societies.
"Today we have awarded 16 champions for their work; almost 9 champions out of 16 are men. This is a good indication that men understand the effect of GBV, though it is still believed that the majority of GBV perpetrators are men,” she said.
A leader of traditional healers from Tarime District, Musoma Region, Mwita Matindi, who was recognised for his work in fighting GBV in Tarime, said before undergoing capacity-building training he used to be a staunch advocate for Female Genital Mutilation (FMG).
He confessed that he, together with other traditional healers, used to stigmatise women and girls who hadn’t undergone FGM. ”After receiving capacity building from different organisations, including WiLDAF, I no longer advocate for FMG, and now we address and fight against harmful practices.
