Men-to-Men Regional Network

In 2001, FEMNET initiated a regional program aimed at achieving greater involvement of men in the fight for gender equality, and against Gender-based violence (GBV). The main objective was to create a core of male supporters for the long-term campaign to eliminate GBV and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, building on the goals of the Dakar and Beijing Platforms for Action (PFAs). Since then, FEMNET has been coordinating a regional network of Men Against Gender-based Violence, with members in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

In order to develop best practices on how to work with involvement of men in the fight against Gender-based violence, FEMNET has for the past few years focused on setting up and building the capacity of the Kenyan member of the network: Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN). Exchange visits have also been arranged between MEGEN Kenya and other members of the network, as a means of building the capacity of national structures. MEGEN-Kenya is now an autonomous organization, having established itself in early 2009. For updates on activites and projects by MEGEN-Kenya, visit the website: http://www.megenkenya.org

From 2009, FEMNET will again put more emphasis on the regional program, working in 6 target countries (Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Mali, DRC and Zambia) to help building national networks of men fighting for gender equality. For more information send an email to mentomen@femnet.or.ke

2009 Publications: