Fatshimetrie, September 12, 2024. The involvement of men in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) has become a priority, as evidenced by the closing of a training workshop organized in Uvira, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event, led by the Red Cross, highlighted the importance of the notion of positive masculinity in the prevention and management of GBV.
At the heart of the discussions, the question of the power held by men and how they can use it to fight against GBV. The Coordinator of Social Action for Community Well-being, Célestin Pataule, highlighted the impact of current crises, whether related to natural disasters or armed conflicts, on the loss of power and feelings of frustration among men. These negative emotions can translate into destructive behaviors, such as alcoholism, anger and violence, affecting both the family and the community.
The workshop therefore focused on the need to support men so that they become agents of change, actors engaged in the fight against GBV. They are called upon to become support for their wives, to foster a climate of peace within the home and to support victims of violence by directing them to specialized structures offering holistic care.
The discussions during this workshop addressed concrete cases, highlighting the challenges encountered on a daily basis and the measures to be taken to counter GBV. Participants were invited to become ambassadors of the Red Cross and to share their acquired knowledge to strengthen the capacities of volunteers and stakeholders involved in the fight against GBV in Uvira.
This initiative is part of a Pilot Programmatic Partnership project funded by DG ECHO, with technical support from the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The French, Luxembourg and Spanish Red Cross, in consortium, thus support the Red Cross of the DRC in its actions to prevent and manage GBV.
Through this workshop, the participants became experts, ready to implement concrete actions to combat GBV and to collaborate effectively with partners to support the most vulnerable people. This meeting marks an important step in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to create a safer environment that respects the rights of all, men and women alike.