Men in gender equality initiatives is crucial for achieving sustainable change

• Gender equality has featured prominently in recent discussions globally, and Ghana is no exception.

While women’s rights have received significant attention, an often-overlooked aspect of the conversation has been the role men play in promoting gender equality.

According to UNICEF, gender equality means men and women, boys and girls enjoy the same rights, resources opportunities and protections.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) five talks about gender equality, explaining that it is not only a fundament right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

In Ghana, traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched; men are increasingly being recognised as pivotal partners in the quest for a more unbiased society.

Traditional gender roles have long dictated the division of labour and responsibilities in Ghana. Men typically play the role of breadwinners and decision-makers, while women have been relegated to domestic roles such as caregiving, and housekeeping.

These norms have perpetuated gender disparities in education, employment, and political representation.

However, there has been a gradual shift in recent years, influenced by both local advocacy and global developments.

Organisations such as the Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED), non-profit making organisations and other gender centered Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have worked tirelessly to challenge these norms and promote gender equity.

Despite the progress, entrenched cultural beliefs continue to impact the pace of change.

The involvement of men in gender equality initiatives is therefore, crucial for achieving sustainable change.

Men have always been perceived as either active participants in gender discrimination or as passive onlookers. On the other hand, more and more men in Ghana are starting to actively support and take part in campaigns for gender equality.

Education

To achieve gender equality, education is essential for changing people’s attitudes and mindset. Programmes that teach men the value of gender equality and the necessity of dispelling misconceptions have become more popular.

Initiatives such as ‘HeForShe,’ which was launched in 2017 and spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection encourages men to advocate for women’s rights and have received support from influential figures in the Ghanaian society.

Men can challenge traditional norms and promote a more inclusive mindset by participating in educational campaigns and advocacy.

For gender equality to be achieved, men must also be educated on perspectives, experiences and challenges women face and then engaged as their crucial allies working hand in hand to transform the world into a place where men and women can thrive equally.

Redefining Masculinity

In Ghana, masculinity is often associated with dominance and control, and in an attempt to advance gender equality, it is crucial to redefine what it means to be a man while changing the narrative is critical.

Other models of masculinity that value emotional expression, shared responsibility, and respect for one another should be presented while programmes that engage young boys in discussions about gender equality and healthy relationships were necessary to help them see gender equity as a fundamental value.

The involvement of men in domestic responsibilities and professional environments is vital for breaking down gender barriers.

Fortunately in Ghana, there is a growing recognition of the need for men to share domestic duties equally.

This change not only lessens the burden on women but also establishes a standard for next generations. Men who support and promote gender-inclusive policies in the workplace help to create a more equitable and balanced work environment.

Also, changes in systems can be enhanced by men in leadership positions.

It was therefore, necessary for Ghanaian politicians and community leaders to champion gender equality to influence policies and create environments that support women’s rights.

These leaders can contribute to the removal of institutional barriers and the advancement of an inclusive society by openly supporting gender equality efforts and implementing them into policy frameworks.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite these positive developments, there are still some challenges hindering the attainment of gender equality.

Resistance to changing traditional norms could be a significant factor in achieving gender equality with some men perceiving gender equality efforts as a threat to their status.

Overcoming this requires continued dialogue, education, and the demonstration of gender equality’s benefits for all members of society.

Additionally, there is a need for more targeted programmes that address men’s specific concerns and experiences.

Initiatives should be designed to engage men from diverse backgrounds and social strata to ensure that gender equality efforts are comprehensive and inclusive.

Way Forward

The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the launch of ‘HeforShe’ campaign at the Independence Square in Accra said “inequality has an unbearable burden and cost on our economy, society and the development of our nation. Today I join the millions of people around the world who stand together to create a bold, visible force for gender equality and say I am ‘HeForShe.’

 He urged all decision makers to support policies and programmes that empower women and girls.

He also charged men and boys across all communities in the country to become agents of change and join the campaign.

The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stephen Kinloch Pichat, urged men in privileged positions within diverse social, political and economic fora to use their influence to echo messages of equality and lead by example among their peers, catalysing impact and triggering truly transformative change towards gender equality.

He said gender inequality also takes a pervasive toll on men, explaining that unfair gender roles and damaging stereotypes and expectations construct and reproduce harming forms of masculinity.

“These, for example, can cause men to repress emotions and vulnerability and to carry a stigma about mental health issues, which limits their capacity to ask for and receive support under the obligation of being dominant, rough, and independent,” he said

He was of the view that the first marking of International Men’s Day sets a solid foundation for all partners to continue dialogue on effectively engaging men and boys as active agents of transformational change for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Mr Pichat said UNDP, as an organisation, strongly recognises that sustainable human development will not be fully achieved unless patriarchal structures that harm both women and men are dismantled and recreated so that women and girls can contribute and share power on an equal basis with men and boys.

“We will also continue to identify and meaningfully address the adverse consequences that unfair gender roles, stereotypes and expectations around masculinity have on men and boys while making gender equality everyone’s responsibility and utmost priority,” he stated.

He said, when gender equality is achieved, both men and women can live more prosperous and fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

The role of men in advancing gender equality in Ghana is becoming increasingly prominent and essential. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, men who embrace and advocate for gender equity will be crucial in achieving lasting change. By participating in educational initiatives, redefining masculinity, sharing domestic responsibilities, and leading by example, men can significantly contribute to a more equitable and just society.

In conclusion, while women’s voices and experiences remain central to the gender equality movement, the active involvement of men is indispensable.

Ghana’s journey towards gender equality will benefit from the continued and expanded engagement of men in all facets of society.

Only through collective effort can the nation achieve true gender parity and harness the full potential of all its citizens.

By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu