President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed the 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, emphasising the influential role that men can play in bringing the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls to fruition in Africa. The conference takes place during the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, making it a particularly critical time to focus on such an important issue.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the need for men to be at the forefront of societal change. He expressed the importance of redefining traditional stereotypes of masculinity and embracing positive qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and respect for diversity. The President stressed that men and boys must be actively involved in the fight against gender-based violence, as they are often the perpetrators of such violence. He also highlighted the need to challenge assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism, and sexism, which ultimately contribute to a culture of gender-based violence.
The President’s Address at the Conference
During his address at the conference, President Ramaphosa emphasised the urgent need to address gender-based violence in Africa. He pointed out that such violence undermines the continent’s development and leaves a significant portion of the population living in fear and anxiety. He called for a united effort to shift cultural perceptions and dismantle harmful societal norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for young men and boys to engage in constructive dialogue and develop positive attitudes towards women and girls. He spoke about the pressures faced by young men, such as the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, and societal expectations around masculinity. He emphasised the need to provide support and guidance to young men who strive to embody positive masculinity and contribute to the solution.
Building a New Africa
The President spoke of the collective vision to create a new Africa that affirms the dignity, equality, and worth of every African woman and girl. He stressed the importance of leaving no man or boy behind in this journey towards gender equality and the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for a society where women’s rights are respected, upheld, and advanced, and he expressed his commitment to mobilise men as champions of this cause.
Emphasising Positive Masculinity
Central to President Ramaphosa’s remarks was the encouragement of positive masculinity and the redefinition of societal expectations placed on men. He underscored the need to cultivate qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and respect for diversity as essential components of positive masculinity. By promoting these qualities, the President believes that men can challenge traditional stereotypes and contribute to a society free of gender-based violence.
Initiatives in South Africa
President Ramaphosa highlighted several initiatives, programmes, and dialogues in South Africa that are actively promoting positive masculinity as part of the fight against gender-based violence. These programs aim to engage men and boys across various sectors of society, including athletes, artists, workers, and students. Additionally, the President stressed the importance of partnership with business, unions, and other social entities in executing these initiatives.
A Call to Action
The President called for an all-of-society approach to address gender-based violence, uniting business, labour, government, and civil society in the promotion of positive masculinity. He emphasised the need for a common vision and roadmap to guide collective efforts and build structures throughout society. Furthermore, President Ramaphosa urged the current AU Circle of Champions to inspire high-level leadership in ending violence against women and girls and to support the AU Commission in ensuring the implementation of women’s rights across the continent.
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