Who are the men involved.

• Author: Wainaina, Njoki

In three decades of activism for gender equality and women's rights, I have worked with many men who support the struggle for gender equality. Many of them are found in unlikely places-in communities that considered backward, conservative and patriarchal. But community leaders are quick to observe and acknowledge the need for change. For many have witnessed transitions in their communities and will support initiatives to address identified problems in these communities. On the other hand, community leaders can be keepers of negative cultural and religious practices. They have to be sensitised and involved. Recently, I was on assignment in Somaliland. I was amazed at how much community level support there is in tackling gender equality. Africa's economic crisis has impacted men's role as providers for their families and, in many cases, this has shifted responsibilities to women. This upheaval has created opportunities for discussing gender relations with male leaders at the community level.

In several African countries, faith-based organisations have taken the lead in men for gender equality initiatives, responding to GBV and HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and indiscipline. The impact of HIV/AIDS has grown to such proportions that religious leaders can no longer ignore it. HIV/AIDS is now discussed from the pulpit and many men's and boys' forums have been created. Counselling programmes for men infected or affected by HIV/AIDS are increasing. And faith-based organisations are emerging as leaders in the mobilisation and involvement of men. In recent months, the regional men to men network has done sensitisation in communities around Nairobi in Kenya. The demand for speakers at seminars, materials and other support for faith-based organisations is more than could have been anticipated.

Men working in the media are among those who are committed to action for gender equality. Their profession puts them at the frontline of exposure to the realities of GBV and HIV/AIDS. In all the countries where men's initiatives have been established, the support of the men in the media has been key to reaching men. The involvement of men in the annual campaign, Sixteen Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women has also been key to mobilising male support for combating GBV. In the last two years, the linking of the role of men in combating GBV and HIV/AIDS by UN agencies and civil society has created a deeper understanding of the urgency for male participation...