KAMPALA, Uganda – The Women’s Pro Bono Initiative (WPI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to justice for women and girls, in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Gender, hosted a pivotal debate on the role of men in advancing gender justice in Uganda. The event, held on April 9 at Makerere University, brought together policymakers, academia, civil society, and the public to discuss the critical issue of male engagement in promoting gender equality.
The debate’s objectives were two-fold: to provide research and evidence on male engagement strategies that influence Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) agendas at international, regional, and national platforms, and to engage university students and other key stakeholders in a critical dialogue on how male engagement can be used to address restrictive laws, policies, and practices to promote SRHR for women and girls in Uganda.
Ms. Rose Wakikona, Deputy Executive Director of WPI, set the tone for the discussion, emphasizing the importance of exploring the advantages and disadvantages of male engagement in promoting gender justice. “We often ask ourselves, do men have a role to play in advancing gender justice?” “The answer is not a simple yes or no. We need to explore the advantages and disadvantages of male engagement and understand that gender justice means equality between men and women in our society.”
Ms. Wakikona highlighted the disproportionate impact of patriarchy on women, citing high rates of sexual violence, domestic violence, and underrepresentation in parliament and corporate positions. However, she also acknowledged that men are feeling left behind and that women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game.
“We are not seeking to oppress men, but rather to uplift both genders,” she said. “Men need to actively pursue their own needs and wants in a way that respects women’s autonomy and rights.”
Mr. Titus Asiimwe, a program manager at WPI, highlighted the need for men to take responsibility for their own sexual and reproductive health. “Men need to change their culture of seeking out health services,” he said.
“They should develop a habit of going to hospitals and seeking health services, not just when they’re severely ill, but as a regular practice.” He also emphasized the importance of men speaking to their fellow men about taking responsibility in gender justice and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
He explained that men engagement is not about pitting men against women or men taking over spaces but rather inviting everyone to engage men and involve them in the conversation.
“Another aspect of men engagement is encouraging men to speak to their fellow men about taking responsibility in gender justice. We all have a role to play in promoting gender justice, and men should be actively involved in the fight against discrimination and violations.
Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwine, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Gender Studies at Makerere University, added a nuanced perspective to the conversation. “We’ve seen instances where women activists working with men have contributed to important debates and laws, such as those around domestic violence and female genital mutilation. However, we also need to recognize that men’s involvement in gender equality is not just about empowering women, but also about benefiting themselves as individuals.”
According to him, the struggle for gender equality has long been shouldered by women and girls, and there is a need to acknowledge the historical context of patriarchal societies that have discriminated against them.
“To move forward, we need to draw on the role of men in society at different levels to support and contribute to gender equality. This is crucial in today’s complex society, where men and women are intricately related. We can’t leave the responsibility of promoting equality to women alone.”
He added that, “It’s essential to recognize that men’s involvement in gender equality is not just about empowering women, but also about benefiting themselves as individuals. Men need to be involved in discussions around their own health, parenting, and participation in society. By doing so, they can contribute to a more equal society that offers opportunities to both men and women.”
The debate highlighted the complexities surrounding male engagement in gender justice, with some participants arguing that men needed to take a more active role in promoting equality, while others cautioned against placing too much responsibility on men to drive change.
Asked on “how can we encourage men to take an active role in promoting gender justice without pitting them against women?” Ms. Wakikona responded, “We need to create a society where both men and women can thrive. We need to promote mutual respect and understanding, and work together towards a more equitable world.”
The event marked an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where both men and women can work together to promote gender justice and equality. The partnership between WPI and Makerere University’s School of Gender brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss a critical issue affecting Ugandan society.
The debate also touched on the Marriage Bill, which has sparked controversy among men who feel it is an attack on their dominance. However, proponents of the bill argue that it is an opportunity to promote equality and justice in relationships.
“When women say no to forced sex or demand respect, they’re not saying they don’t love their partners; they’re saying they’re equals and deserve to be treated with respect,” Ms. Wakikona said.
