Fatshimetrie, Uvira, 13 Sept. 2024 – In a context marked by the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), the issue of men’s involvement is of paramount importance. It is in this perspective that a training workshop was organized by the Red Cross in Uvira, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), inviting men to play an active role in preventing and combating this violence.
The notion of positive masculinity was at the heart of the discussions, highlighting the power of men and how they can use it constructively to counter GBV. Célestin Pataule, coordinator of Social Action for Community Well-being (Asobic), emphasizes the importance of empowering men in society, thus avoiding the crystallization of crises and frustrations induced by a feeling of loss of power.
The workshop also addressed the issue of supporting victims of GBV, emphasizing the importance of holistic care, including medical, legal and psychosocial aspects. Participants were able to discuss concrete cases of GBV and explore concrete measures to combat this scourge.
Seth Buyonde, Urban President of the Red Cross/Uvira, praised the commitment of the facilitators and the determination of the participants to become agents of change in the fight against GBV. He encouraged them to share their knowledge and become ambassadors for the cause, thus helping to raise awareness and protect the most vulnerable people in their community.
This initiative is part of the Pilot Programmatic Partnership (PPP) project supported by DG Echo, in collaboration with the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the French, Luxembourg and Spanish Red Cross. It demonstrates the importance of an inclusive and committed approach to countering GBV and promoting egalitarian relationships within society.
In conclusion, this workshop helped to strengthen the capacities of local actors and give a voice to men involved in the fight against gender-based violence. It illustrates the potential of everyone to become an active agent of change and contribute to building a more equitable society that respects the rights of everyone.