Regionalizing the Men-2-Men programme/Regionalisation du programme Men-2-Men.

• Position: Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN - MEGEN

For the last seven years, FEMNET has been coordinating a regional network of men commonly known as Men-2-Men, which is a team of committed men involved in the struggle against gender-based violence.

Local men networks have been set up in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia and with increased membership, these networks have developed outreach programmes and that continue to respond to women's concerns, their safety and protection of their rights. According to the Coordinator, Mr. Kennedy Otina, the experience of working with men m the Men-2-Men programme has shown that men who are convinced that women are equal partners can be key allies in deconstructing negative attitudes and practices that promote GBV and the spread of HIV and AIDS and in fact can influence other men to change and be part of the movement against GBV.

Additionally, proactive messages and factual information can help boys and young men to reflect upon and discuss issues surrounding masculinity, relationships and Sexuality, contributing to the deconstruction of negative, high-risk and harmful attitudes and behavior. Men-2-Men Men members believes that patriarchy provides men with an opportunity which if well exploited can be a strong platform for engagement on challenging negative masculinity and to mobilize men to end violence against women.

Beginning this year, Men-2-Men is engaged in efforts to expand the men's networks in countries where its presence is lacking, particularly in West Africa. It is envisaged that this will not only consolidate the gains made so far, but also strengthen the existing networks to localize their activities and transform their communities to and further societies. For queries and further information send an email to mentomen@femnet.or.ke

Pendant les sept dernieres annees, FEMNET a assure la coordination d'un reseau regional d'hommes communement appele Men-2Men, qui est une equipe d'hommes engages impliques dans la lutte contre la violence basee sur le genre. Des reseaux locaux d'hommes ont ete mis en place au Kenya, au...