Change is slowly taking place, with men and boys increasingly working alongside women to support gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA works with men and boys around the world to advance gender equality and end violence. Partnership is a must hence the strategy of engaging men and boys is must for UNFPA.
In lieu UNFPA Ghana has supported several initiatives like the HeForShe Campaign, the Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Awards, formation of men and boys clubs among others to ensure meaningful engagement of men and boys in the advancement of the gender agenda.
Junior Shapers Africa (JSA) in collaboration with UNFPA and other partners used the 2020 International Men’s Day (19th November) to advocate and honour males who have demonstrated behaviours of positive role models.
Appreciating the support of men, Mrs. Ethel Adjorlolo Marfo, Founder of JSA, encouraged more men to mentor the younger generation of males. According to her, “men must take conscious steps to train boys to become responsible men. They must show positive masculinity to be called men” she echoed.
Commending the initiative, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, UNFPA Country Representative, stated that “engaging young boys, very early in life, to develop attitudes that do not entrench toxic masculinity but allow boys who will become men to equally respect women is very appropriate”. Mr. Ojuolape further called on men to essentially be feminists who will contribute to ensuring balance and the peaceful co-existence of women and men.
Daniel Tetteh, Kodwo Alhssan Baidoo,Tonyi Senayah,Timothy Dzikunu, Isaac Omari Koranteng, Amin Sulley and Daniel Tetteh received citations of honour for being positive male role models.
UNFPA also received a citation from JSA in recognition of the organization work with men and boys.
Ideas about manhood are deeply ingrained. From an early age, boys may be socialized into gender roles designed to keep men in power and in control. Many are conditioned to believe that dominant behaviour towards girls and women is part of being a man. But This notion must be dispelled and get males to be champions in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
