Doing things differently, gaining more mileage/Faire les choses de maniere differente, gagner davantage de distance couverte.

• Author: Otina, Kennedy
• Position: Men for Gender Equality Now

Since the inception of the Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN) programme in 2003, members have constantly worked to develop and open new frontiers which involve men to end gender based violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities. Through dedication, creativity and commitment from the vibrant team of members, MEGEN has over the years designed unique strategies to meet their objectives and as a result developed inspiring and successful stories to share with others in the region. Last year, MEGEN decentralized most of its activities to be managed at community level so as to accelerate attainment of project goals. Some of the most outstanding and innovative programmes include:

* the couples night for members, which brings together married couples within the network to share and Learn on their role as community role-models in ending gender based violence. It also acts as a sign of commitment by members and presents an opportunity for self-evaluation and collective transformation. Above all, the activity seeks to energize and rally family support by members in their work of ending gender based violence.

* the inter-gender dialogue programme which brings together men and women to dialogue and further their understanding on their roles in ending gender based violence in different communities. So far the project has had 15 inter-gender dialogue sessions in different parts of the country.

* the widely publicized Men's Traveling Conference (MTC), which continues to be held every year during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, seeks to advocate for an end to gender based violence by reaching out to the people right in their communities. Last year, MTC targeted towns and areas previously not reached in the five days campaign. These were:

** Central province: Kiambu, Banana, Limuru, Githunguri, Ruiru, Thika, Muranga, Kiriaini, Othaya, Nyeri, Karatina, Kerugoya, Sagana, Meru, Isiolo, Githurai and Nairobi.

** Coast province: Athi River, Mtito Andei, Mariakani, Mombasa, Kwale, Kinango, Likoni, Voi, Emali, Machakos and Nairobi.

** Western province: Naivasha, Gilgil, Kisii, Migori, Homa-bay, Kendu-bay, Kisumu, Kericho, Sotik, Narok and Nairobi.

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A total of eighty people drawn from twelve different districts participated in the campaign with five representatives of the Education Centre for Women in Democracy (ECWD) who were collaborating with MEGEN in the campaign to end electoral and political gender-based violence, at a time when Kenya was organizing for the General elections.

* sensitization campaigns targeting corporate organizations, where MEGEN aimed to develop working partnership with Lead corporate organizations so as to train and sensitize their staff, clients and the entire management on GBV issues, and particularly its Link to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

* bus branding campaign, which involved branding public transport buses with behaviour change communication messages on gender based violence and HIV/AIDS such...