In Bor, a new male-led network promoting positive and progressive masculinity has been established at an UNMISS-supported workshop focused on challenging cultural and traditional attitudes that harm women and promoting gender equality. Photo by Angellah Mandoreba/UNMISS.
In South Sudan, certain cultural and traditional attitudes and practices have a severe impact on women’s well-being and their ability to reach their full potential in life.But, in Jonglei State, men are joining forces as champions of women’s rights by creating a new network to lead a shift towards positive masculinity, which focuses on expressing positive traits traditionally associated with men while eliminating harmful stereotypes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality.“It is time our communities abandon outdated and unrealistic stereotypes about women. For instance, instead of using physical strength to harm women, men should use that energy to defend women's rights when they are violated."That was the message from Simon Manyok Deng, Jonglei State Human Rights Advisor, at a forum supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Bor to promote gender equality and help prevent violence against women and girls. During the workshop, 60 participants, including local authorities, community leaders, and civil society representatives explored the concept of positive masculinity."These discussions have challenged us in the media to actively and deliberately advocate for gender equality by highlighting positive role models and stories of influence. We will also continue to push for the implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women's representation in the public sphere," stated Majok Guet Kuol, chairperson of the Union of Journalists in Jonglei. The forum focused on encouraging men to embrace healthy behaviors and reject harmful traditional masculine norms that perpetuate gender inequality."As beneficiaries of this workshop, we now have a responsibility to reach out to as many men as possible. We must help them understand how positive and progressive masculinity contributes to lasting peace and harmony between men and women. It won't be easy, but we now have a starting point for positive change," noted Malaak Philip Chol, executive director for Mission Empowering Africa. "We believe peace begins when women's rights are protected in letter and spirit. Such platforms as these foster open conversations on how men can champion gender equality by cultivating progressive male traits and abandoning harmful cultural and traditional practices," concluded Gilbert Nantsa, acting Head of the UNMISS Bor Field Office.