Alice Kwaramba
Senior=20
Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer =
Street
Lower=20
Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, =
2198
Johannesburg
South=20
Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 =
4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
=
=20
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL:=20
www.genderlinks.org.za<=
/DIV>
------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C2A2B7.2B5A0570--
From research@genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 12:31:59 2002
From: research@genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 14:31:59 +0200
Subject: [Egemtraining] Summary for the week's discussion topic.
Message-ID: <004601c2a2a3$a1d78420$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
------=_NextPart_000_0043_01C2A2B4.651197E0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Dear All
I think Mr Mututu has summarised very well for us the issues around =
involving men in strategies and programmes for combating gender =
violence. I dont think I need to overemphasize anything. He has outlined =
the various issues and points for consideration and pointed us to some =
resources to illustrate what has worked for them.=20
In this summary i will just highlight some of the points that i think we =
need to ponder upon, as journalists and communicators.=20
1) I think we all agree that men need to be part of the equation in =
finding solutions to gender based violence. For this reason it is also =
important that instead of leaving it to chance, to sensitize men, =
strategies and programmes be developed that specifically focus on =
involving men and making them part of the solution. This came out =
clearly in Mr Mututu' s summary and i think is critical to the success =
of our efforts to combat gender violence in the region.
2) And what i think also came out very clearly is that it should start =
with men themselves, engaging in a process of self review and self =
analysis and acceptance that what they have been made to accept as =
manhood has in part contributed to the problem of gender based violence. =
3) The development of a men's movement to work hand in glove with the =
women's movement was also identified as critical in developing tools and =
strategies that work in the fight against gender based violence. =
Instead of viewing each other as rivals, it is importnat to consider =
each part as complimenting the efforts of the other. A number of =
organizations have sprung up in the region, trying to get men organized =
against gender injustice.=20
4) Men can be part of the women's movement and vice-versa and there is =
need to sensitize both men and women to this effect. this will be =
particularly important in helping both womn and men see that they need =
each other in combating gender violence.=20
5) Culture and socialization processes have played a big part in =
instilling and inculcating attitudes and practices that perpetuate =
gender violence and we need to understand this (as journalists and =
communicators) so as to avoid wrongly judging men and women for the way =
they act and reacct in given situations and cirumstances. We should try =
and avoid labelling and judging as this breeds a defensive attitude.
Some resources for journalists:
Here is a list of organizations that have made efforts to get men to =
work together with women in combating gender violence.=20
1) Padare Men's Forum on Gender=20
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
2) Men for Change (South Africa)
Thulani Nkosi
Tel: 27 11 885 1635
Email: thulaninkosi@hotmail.com
3) Men's Forum (South Africa)
Mbuyiselo Botha
Tel: 27 11 800 6349
Email: butana.nkosi@eskom.co.za
4) Swaziland Association for Men
Bongani Mamba
Tel: 268 3636511/6047244
NB: If you are aware of an oganization in your respective country that =
seeks to work with men in combating gender violence, please add it to =
this list of resources and share it with the others in the group.=20
Closing remarks
As you all know we have come to the end of our five week discussion =
session.=20
Let me take the opportunity to thank you all for actively sharing your =
opionions and ideas in this session of the online online discussion, =
which as you all remeber was designed to run parallel to the 16 Days of =
Activism against gender violence. I must say that i enjoyed "talking" to =
you and hearing your opinions on the various issues that we discussed. =
Although i had to take break due to ill health, I am glad that you =
continued to discuss and share opinions during the time I was off line.=20
I would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and finding time in =
your busy schedules to share with others in the region. I am aware that =
this time of the year people are extremely busy with end of year reports =
and widning up the year's business. Nevertheless, you still found time =
to share your opinions and ideas and kept the group alive!! thank you. I =
hope that we have all learnt a lesson or two on the various topics =
discussed and that we will continue to reflect and think about these =
issues and make our region free from gender violence.=20
Let me remind you that the group is still open as a forum to share =
alerts, news and views and we should continue to discuss and debate and =
contribute meangfully to reduction of gender violence in our =
communities. As journalists and communicators, we have a big role to =
play in transforming our societies and challneging those cultural =
practices that pepertuate gender violence. =20
A speacial thank you to all our resource persons for the different =
topics: Doo Aphane at WLSA Swaziland, KeIso Matashane from WLSA Lesotho, =
Chloe Hardy from the AIDS Law Project in South Africa, Regis Mututu from =
Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe...your contributions were =
greatly appreciated.=20
Lindiwe Nkutha, thanks very much for standing in for me when chicken pox =
forced me into bed!=20
Way Forward
I will compile a full report, incorporating all the summaries for the =
four weeks, which i will circulate to all early next year.=20
We close our office today for the Christmas holidays and will be back in =
on the 6 January. So until then, HAVE A BLESSED AND RESTFUL CHRISTMAS =
AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!
Once more, thank you very much for the commitment and enthusiasm which =
saw us through the five weeks of discussion!!
May the good Lord Bless you abundantly!!!!
Peace
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
------=_NextPart_000_0043_01C2A2B4.651197E0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Dear All
I think Mr Mututu has summarised very =
well for us=20
the issues around involving men in strategies and programmes for =
combating=20
gender violence. I dont think I need to overemphasize anything. He has =
outlined=20
the various issues and points for consideration and pointed us to some =
resources=20
to illustrate what has worked for them.
In this summary i will just highlight =
some of the=20
points that i think we need to ponder upon, as journalists and =
communicators.=20
1) I think we all agree that men =
need to be=20
part of the equation in finding solutions to gender based violence. For =
this=20
reason it is also important that instead of leaving it to chance, to =
sensitize=20
men, strategies and programmes be developed that specifically focus on =
involving=20
men and making them part of the solution. This came out clearly in =
Mr=20
Mututu' s summary and i think is critical to the success of our efforts =
to=20
combat gender violence in the region.
2) And what i=20
think also came out very clearly is that it should start with men =
themselves,=20
engaging in a process of self review and self analysis and acceptance =
that what=20
they have been made to accept as manhood has in part contributed to the =
problem=20
of gender based violence.
3) The development of a men's =
movement to=20
work hand in glove with the women's movement was also identified as =
critical in=20
developing tools and strategies that work in the fight =
against gender=20
based violence. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, it is importnat =
to=20
consider each part as complimenting the efforts of the other. A number=20
of organizations have sprung up in the region, trying to get men =
organized=20
against gender injustice.
4) Men can be part of the women's =
movement=20
and vice-versa and there is need to sensitize both men and women to this =
effect.=20
this will be particularly important in helping both womn and men see =
that they=20
need each other in combating gender violence.
5) Culture and socialization processes =
have played=20
a big part in instilling and inculcating attitudes and practices that =
perpetuate=20
gender violence and we need to understand this (as journalists and=20
communicators) so as to avoid wrongly judging men and women for the way =
they act=20
and reacct in given situations and cirumstances. We should try and =
avoid=20
labelling and judging as this breeds a =
defensive attitude.
Some resources for=20
journalists:
Here is a list of organizations that =
have made=20
efforts to get men to work together with women in combating gender =
violence.=20
1) Padare Men's Forum on =
Gender=20
Regis=20
Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on =
Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, =
Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
2) Men for Change =
(South=20
Africa)
Thulani Nkosi
Tel: 27 11 885 1635
Email: thulaninkosi@hotmail.com
3) Men's =
Forum=20
(South Africa)
Mbuyiselo =
Botha
Tel: 27 11 800 6349
Email: butana.nkosi@eskom.co.za
4) Swaziland Association for Men
Bongani Mamba
Tel: 268 =
3636511/6047244
NB: If you are aware =
of an=20
oganization in your respective country that seeks to work with men in =
combating=20
gender violence, please add it to this list of resources and share it =
with the=20
others in the group.
Closing =
remarks
As you all know we have come to the end =
of our five=20
week discussion session.
Let me take the opportunity to thank =
you all for=20
actively sharing your opionions and ideas in this session of the=20
online online discussion, which as you all remeber was =
designed to=20
run parallel to the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence. I must =
say that=20
i enjoyed "talking" to you and hearing your opinions on the various =
issues that=20
we discussed. Although i had to take break due to ill health, I am =
glad=20
that you continued to discuss and share opinions during the time I was =
off line.=20
I would like to thank you all for =
your=20
enthusiasm and finding time in your busy schedules to share with =
others in=20
the region. I am aware that this time of the year people are extremely =
busy with=20
end of year reports and widning up the year's business. Nevertheless, =
you still=20
found time to share your opinions and ideas and kept the group alive!! =
thank=20
you. I hope that we have all learnt a lesson or two on the =
various=20
topics discussed and that we will continue to reflect and think about =
these=20
issues and make our region free from gender violence.
Let me remind you that the group is =
still open as a=20
forum to share alerts, news and views and we should continue=20
to discuss and debate and contribute meangfully to reduction =
of gender=20
violence in our communities. As journalists and communicators, we have a =
big=20
role to play in transforming our societies and challneging those =
cultural=20
practices that pepertuate gender violence.
A speacial thank you to all our =
resource persons=20
for the different topics: Doo Aphane at WLSA Swaziland, KeIso Matashane =
from=20
WLSA Lesotho, Chloe Hardy from the AIDS Law Project in South Africa, =
Regis=20
Mututu from Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe...your =
contributions were=20
greatly appreciated.
Lindiwe Nkutha, thanks very much for =
standing in=20
for me when chicken pox forced me into bed!
Way =
Forward
I will compile a full report, =
incorporating all the=20
summaries for the four weeks, which i will circulate to all =
early next=20
year.
We close our office today for the =
Christmas=20
holidays and will be back in on the 6 January. So until then, HAVE A =
BLESSED AND=20
RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!
Once more, thank you very much for the =
commitment=20
and enthusiasm which saw us through the five weeks of =
discussion!!
May the good Lord Bless you=20
abundantly!!!!
Peace
Alice Kwaramba
Senior =
Researcher
Gender=20
Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside=20
Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622=20
2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
=
=20
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL:=20
www.genderlinks.org.za<=
/DIV>
------=_NextPart_000_0043_01C2A2B4.651197E0--
From ebasadi"
Message-ID: <001e01c2a2b0$2f251b60$07a5fea9@peter>
Please can we give it a political significance
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To:
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 2:49 PM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> Dear all
> An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
> Alice
>
> Original Message -----
> > > From: FEMNET
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > > Service
> > > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > > members
> > > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
> out
> > of
> > > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel
documents,
> > > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > > >
> > > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > > >
> > > > · Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
> Pan-African
> > > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> > Democracy
> > > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
> African
> > > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> > with
> > > on
> > > > matters relating to the African Union
> > > >
> > > > · Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA),
and
> > her
> > > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of
gender
> > and
> > > > conflict in Africa.
> > > >
> > > > · Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
> (WACOL)
> > > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > > during
> > > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
> Women
> > > (UN
> > > > CSW)
> > > >
> > > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be
authorised
> by
> > > the
> > > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
> is
> > > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on
records
> > held
> > > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > > General
> > > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations
Investigation
> > > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights
by
> > > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
> by
> > > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> > security
> > > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
> the
> > > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > > harassment
> > > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > > associated
> > > > with them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > > organisations
> > > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
> and
> > > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
> and
> > > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> > rights
> > > > and civil society activists.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
> (UDHR),
> > > and
> > > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
> the
> > > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
> freedoms
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
> parliamentary
> > > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security
Service
> > > (SSS)
> > > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> > Federation
> > > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > > >
> > > > We reiterate that:
> > > >
> > > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that
no
> > one
> > > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > > >
> > > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the
rig
> ht
> > > to
> > > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
> to
> > > > return to his country
> > > >
> > > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
> Rights)
> > > > states that
> > > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall
> > be
> > > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > > >
> > > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
> ensure
> > > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members
in
> > the
> > > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil,
cultural,
> > > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with
the
> > > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > > instruments
> > > > and the protection of national laws
> > > >
> > > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
> legal
> > > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> > ensure
> > > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions
the
> > > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > > >
> > > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights)
states
> > > that
> > > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
> of
> > > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons
and
> > > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
> be
> > > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > > >
> > > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
> the
> > > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
> institute
> > > > accountability.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records
to
> > > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> > records
> > > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> > persons.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
> continue
> > > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
> human
> > > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
> with
> > > > them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > For further information contact
> > > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > > Réseau de Développement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> > through
> > > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET vise à renforcer le rôle et la contribution des ONG des
femmes
> > > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le développemnt, l'égalité et
> > d'autres
> > > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > > communications, travail de réseau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---
> > > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Egemtraining mailing list
> Egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
> http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/egemtraining
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 09:04:15 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:58 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 11:52:23 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212091427.QAA03153@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi folks,
Please welcome me back aboard - I had taken a 14 day breather. Judging from
the mails which I have just gone through, I really missed alot. Keep it up,
gang, wonderful and excellent discussions you had.
Questions:
To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating gender
violence?
Get it from a man - men are the majority pepetrators of violence and it is
very ironic that men have not been very much involved in preaching against
gender violence. May be this can be attributted to the nature of African
society. Men who are seen to be 'sympathetic' to women are often frowned
at.
But I am of the belief that men should seize every opportunity to preach
against gender violence as it affects not only the battered women (wives)
but also the children. Psychologists say children who grow up in a family
where there is a lot of fighting will be tormented mentally in their lives.
(Let me drop this subject here.)
Being a Zimbabwean I only know of one group of men: PADARE which advocates
for fight against gender violence. PADARE has a motto which is very
appealing to me. It goes: "Real men do not beat women."
If men should play a role, what role should they play?
I would not know if this is pragmatic: but when a woman is beaten-up
by one man, men should team-up and demonstrate against and denounce their
colleague. I, for one, would not mind doing that.
Men should sress the importance and advantages of having a peaceful society:
free of gender violence. I think I alluded to this briefly above.
Later gang,
col.
From: "research"
To:
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 9:04 am
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Mon Dec 9 12:27:21 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 14:56:05 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 17:33:33 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212092008.WAA07080@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi again,
May be I failed to stress my point on how when I said that there should be
eductaion on the benefits of a society which is gender violence-free - this
can be scientific or otherwise. I mean the importance say to the family and
the like.
This can be done by encouraging men to form groups which agitates for men
not to beat-up women (mainly) and for women not to do the same as well.
PADARE in Zimbabwe has been doing that but I think a lot can be done and has
to be done.
How about that for now from me?
I am off home now, later,
col.
----------
From: "research"
To: "ebasadi" ,
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 2:56 pm
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your
opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be
part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do
we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that
there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these
myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of
culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and
women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ;
egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is
likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender
based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently
are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so
by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They
can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's
rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts
is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence
need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and
men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Tue Dec 10 07:37:06 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Tue Dec 10 08:44:28 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a017$96ff4940$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
thanks for your contributions Peter and Columbus. What do others think? Lets share ideas and discuss. Others you have been very quiet on this topic!! You dont care whether men are aor are not part of the debate??? (smile) Please lets share our opinions!!!!! Hoping to hear from the women as well!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Thu Dec 12 10:17:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Message-ID: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From radiomaria at malawi.net Thu Dec 12 14:52:35 2002
From: radiomaria at malawi.net (Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From ebasadi at global.bw Thu Dec 12 15:13:05 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000201c2a1e5$ee6d04e0$1496fea9@peter>
Good
Lets have that
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From padare at mweb.co.zw Thu Dec 12 16:55:41 2002
From: padare at mweb.co.zw (Padare)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 09:21:40 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Message-ID: <007b01c2a278$48ab0d20$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Thanks very much for this Fr Steve Kamanga. Its good to hear that steps in the right direction are being taken in the region and that both women and men are getting involved in the fight against gender violence. Its a pity that we did not get any women to share their opinions on the subject. I hope we will hear from some before we wrap up by end of day today!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr
To: Alice Kwaramba ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 10:02:04 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Message-ID: <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 13:11:43 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:49:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
Message-ID: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
Alice
Original Message -----
> > From: FEMNET
> > To:
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> >
> >
> > >
> > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > >
> > >
> > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > Service
> > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > members
> > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
out
> of
> > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel documents,
> > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > >
> > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > >
> > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
Pan-African
> > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> Democracy
> > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
African
> > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> with
> > on
> > > matters relating to the African Union
> > >
> > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA), and
> her
> > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of gender
> and
> > > conflict in Africa.
> > >
> > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
(WACOL)
> > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > during
> > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women
> > (UN
> > > CSW)
> > >
> > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be authorised
by
> > the
> > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
is
> > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on records
> held
> > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > General
> > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations Investigation
> > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights by
> > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
by
> > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> security
> > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
the
> > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > harassment
> > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > associated
> > > with them.
> > >
> > >
> > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > organisations
> > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
and
> > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
and
> > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> rights
> > > and civil society activists.
> > >
> > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR),
> > and
> > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
the
> > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
freedoms
> > >
> > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
parliamentary
> > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security Service
> > (SSS)
> > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> Federation
> > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > >
> > > We reiterate that:
> > >
> > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that no
> one
> > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > >
> > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the rig
ht
> > to
> > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
to
> > > return to his country
> > >
> > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights)
> > > states that
> > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall
> be
> > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > >
> > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
ensure
> > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members in
> the
> > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil, cultural,
> > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with the
> > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > instruments
> > > and the protection of national laws
> > >
> > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
legal
> > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> ensure
> > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions the
> > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > >
> > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights) states
> > that
> > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
of
> > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and
> > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
be
> > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > >
> > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
the
> > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
institute
> > > accountability.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records to
> > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> records
> > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> persons.
> > >
> > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
continue
> > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
human
> > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
with
> > > them.
> > >
> > >
> > > For further information contact
> > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > >
> > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> through
> > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > >
> > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des femmes
> > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> d'autres
> > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---
> > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:51:50 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a2a6$683c7a60$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks Peter for your opinion. what others think about Peter's views?
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:31:59 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Summary for the week's discussion topic.
Message-ID: <004601c2a2a3$a1d78420$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
I think Mr Mututu has summarised very well for us the issues around involving men in strategies and programmes for combating gender violence. I dont think I need to overemphasize anything. He has outlined the various issues and points for consideration and pointed us to some resources to illustrate what has worked for them.
In this summary i will just highlight some of the points that i think we need to ponder upon, as journalists and communicators.
1) I think we all agree that men need to be part of the equation in finding solutions to gender based violence. For this reason it is also important that instead of leaving it to chance, to sensitize men, strategies and programmes be developed that specifically focus on involving men and making them part of the solution. This came out clearly in Mr Mututu' s summary and i think is critical to the success of our efforts to combat gender violence in the region.
2) And what i think also came out very clearly is that it should start with men themselves, engaging in a process of self review and self analysis and acceptance that what they have been made to accept as manhood has in part contributed to the problem of gender based violence.
3) The development of a men's movement to work hand in glove with the women's movement was also identified as critical in developing tools and strategies that work in the fight against gender based violence. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, it is importnat to consider each part as complimenting the efforts of the other. A number of organizations have sprung up in the region, trying to get men organized against gender injustice.
4) Men can be part of the women's movement and vice-versa and there is need to sensitize both men and women to this effect. this will be particularly important in helping both womn and men see that they need each other in combating gender violence.
5) Culture and socialization processes have played a big part in instilling and inculcating attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender violence and we need to understand this (as journalists and communicators) so as to avoid wrongly judging men and women for the way they act and reacct in given situations and cirumstances. We should try and avoid labelling and judging as this breeds a defensive attitude.
Some resources for journalists:
Here is a list of organizations that have made efforts to get men to work together with women in combating gender violence.
1) Padare Men's Forum on Gender
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
2) Men for Change (South Africa)
Thulani Nkosi
Tel: 27 11 885 1635
Email: thulaninkosi@hotmail.com
3) Men's Forum (South Africa)
Mbuyiselo Botha
Tel: 27 11 800 6349
Email: butana.nkosi@eskom.co.za
4) Swaziland Association for Men
Bongani Mamba
Tel: 268 3636511/6047244
NB: If you are aware of an oganization in your respective country that seeks to work with men in combating gender violence, please add it to this list of resources and share it with the others in the group.
Closing remarks
As you all know we have come to the end of our five week discussion session.
Let me take the opportunity to thank you all for actively sharing your opionions and ideas in this session of the online online discussion, which as you all remeber was designed to run parallel to the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence. I must say that i enjoyed "talking" to you and hearing your opinions on the various issues that we discussed. Although i had to take break due to ill health, I am glad that you continued to discuss and share opinions during the time I was off line.
I would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and finding time in your busy schedules to share with others in the region. I am aware that this time of the year people are extremely busy with end of year reports and widning up the year's business. Nevertheless, you still found time to share your opinions and ideas and kept the group alive!! thank you. I hope that we have all learnt a lesson or two on the various topics discussed and that we will continue to reflect and think about these issues and make our region free from gender violence.
Let me remind you that the group is still open as a forum to share alerts, news and views and we should continue to discuss and debate and contribute meangfully to reduction of gender violence in our communities. As journalists and communicators, we have a big role to play in transforming our societies and challneging those cultural practices that pepertuate gender violence.
A speacial thank you to all our resource persons for the different topics: Doo Aphane at WLSA Swaziland, KeIso Matashane from WLSA Lesotho, Chloe Hardy from the AIDS Law Project in South Africa, Regis Mututu from Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe...your contributions were greatly appreciated.
Lindiwe Nkutha, thanks very much for standing in for me when chicken pox forced me into bed!
Way Forward
I will compile a full report, incorporating all the summaries for the four weeks, which i will circulate to all early next year.
We close our office today for the Christmas holidays and will be back in on the 6 January. So until then, HAVE A BLESSED AND RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!
Once more, thank you very much for the commitment and enthusiasm which saw us through the five weeks of discussion!!
May the good Lord Bless you abundantly!!!!
Peace
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 16:01:47 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Feb 27 14:10:59 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
References: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001e01c2a2b0$2f251b60$07a5fea9@peter>
Please can we give it a political significance
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To:
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 2:49 PM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> Dear all
> An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
> Alice
>
> Original Message -----
> > > From: FEMNET
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > > Service
> > > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > > members
> > > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
> out
> > of
> > > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel
documents,
> > > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > > >
> > > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > > >
> > > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
> Pan-African
> > > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> > Democracy
> > > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
> African
> > > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> > with
> > > on
> > > > matters relating to the African Union
> > > >
> > > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA),
and
> > her
> > > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of
gender
> > and
> > > > conflict in Africa.
> > > >
> > > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
> (WACOL)
> > > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > > during
> > > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
> Women
> > > (UN
> > > > CSW)
> > > >
> > > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be
authorised
> by
> > > the
> > > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
> is
> > > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on
records
> > held
> > > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > > General
> > > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations
Investigation
> > > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights
by
> > > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
> by
> > > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> > security
> > > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
> the
> > > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > > harassment
> > > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > > associated
> > > > with them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > > organisations
> > > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
> and
> > > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
> and
> > > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> > rights
> > > > and civil society activists.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
> (UDHR),
> > > and
> > > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
> the
> > > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
> freedoms
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
> parliamentary
> > > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security
Service
> > > (SSS)
> > > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> > Federation
> > > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > > >
> > > > We reiterate that:
> > > >
> > > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that
no
> > one
> > > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > > >
> > > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the
rig
> ht
> > > to
> > > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
> to
> > > > return to his country
> > > >
> > > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
> Rights)
> > > > states that
> > > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall
> > be
> > > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > > >
> > > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
> ensure
> > > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members
in
> > the
> > > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil,
cultural,
> > > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with
the
> > > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > > instruments
> > > > and the protection of national laws
> > > >
> > > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
> legal
> > > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> > ensure
> > > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions
the
> > > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > > >
> > > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights)
states
> > > that
> > > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
> of
> > > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons
and
> > > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
> be
> > > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > > >
> > > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
> the
> > > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
> institute
> > > > accountability.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records
to
> > > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> > records
> > > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> > persons.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
> continue
> > > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
> human
> > > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
> with
> > > > them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > For further information contact
> > > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> > through
> > > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des
femmes
> > > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> > d'autres
> > > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---
> > > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Egemtraining mailing list
> Egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
> http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/egemtraining
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 09:04:15 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:31 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 11:52:23 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:31 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212091427.QAA03153@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi folks,
Please welcome me back aboard - I had taken a 14 day breather. Judging from
the mails which I have just gone through, I really missed alot. Keep it up,
gang, wonderful and excellent discussions you had.
Questions:
To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating gender
violence?
Get it from a man - men are the majority pepetrators of violence and it is
very ironic that men have not been very much involved in preaching against
gender violence. May be this can be attributted to the nature of African
society. Men who are seen to be 'sympathetic' to women are often frowned
at.
But I am of the belief that men should seize every opportunity to preach
against gender violence as it affects not only the battered women (wives)
but also the children. Psychologists say children who grow up in a family
where there is a lot of fighting will be tormented mentally in their lives.
(Let me drop this subject here.)
Being a Zimbabwean I only know of one group of men: PADARE which advocates
for fight against gender violence. PADARE has a motto which is very
appealing to me. It goes: "Real men do not beat women."
If men should play a role, what role should they play?
I would not know if this is pragmatic: but when a woman is beaten-up
by one man, men should team-up and demonstrate against and denounce their
colleague. I, for one, would not mind doing that.
Men should sress the importance and advantages of having a peaceful society:
free of gender violence. I think I alluded to this briefly above.
Later gang,
col.
From: "research"
To:
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 9:04 am
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Mon Dec 9 12:27:21 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:31 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 14:56:05 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:31 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 17:33:33 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:31 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212092008.WAA07080@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi again,
May be I failed to stress my point on how when I said that there should be
eductaion on the benefits of a society which is gender violence-free - this
can be scientific or otherwise. I mean the importance say to the family and
the like.
This can be done by encouraging men to form groups which agitates for men
not to beat-up women (mainly) and for women not to do the same as well.
PADARE in Zimbabwe has been doing that but I think a lot can be done and has
to be done.
How about that for now from me?
I am off home now, later,
col.
----------
From: "research"
To: "ebasadi" ,
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 2:56 pm
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your
opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be
part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do
we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that
there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these
myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of
culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and
women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ;
egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is
likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender
based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently
are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so
by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They
can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's
rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts
is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence
need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and
men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Tue Dec 10 07:37:06 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Tue Dec 10 08:44:28 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a017$96ff4940$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
thanks for your contributions Peter and Columbus. What do others think? Lets share ideas and discuss. Others you have been very quiet on this topic!! You dont care whether men are aor are not part of the debate??? (smile) Please lets share our opinions!!!!! Hoping to hear from the women as well!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Thu Dec 12 10:17:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Message-ID: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From radiomaria at malawi.net Thu Dec 12 14:52:35 2002
From: radiomaria at malawi.net (Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From ebasadi at global.bw Thu Dec 12 15:13:05 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000201c2a1e5$ee6d04e0$1496fea9@peter>
Good
Lets have that
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From padare at mweb.co.zw Thu Dec 12 16:55:41 2002
From: padare at mweb.co.zw (Padare)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 09:21:40 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Message-ID: <007b01c2a278$48ab0d20$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Thanks very much for this Fr Steve Kamanga. Its good to hear that steps in the right direction are being taken in the region and that both women and men are getting involved in the fight against gender violence. Its a pity that we did not get any women to share their opinions on the subject. I hope we will hear from some before we wrap up by end of day today!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr
To: Alice Kwaramba ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 10:02:04 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Message-ID: <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 13:11:43 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:49:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
Message-ID: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
Alice
Original Message -----
> > From: FEMNET
> > To:
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> >
> >
> > >
> > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > >
> > >
> > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > Service
> > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > members
> > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
out
> of
> > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel documents,
> > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > >
> > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > >
> > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
Pan-African
> > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> Democracy
> > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
African
> > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> with
> > on
> > > matters relating to the African Union
> > >
> > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA), and
> her
> > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of gender
> and
> > > conflict in Africa.
> > >
> > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
(WACOL)
> > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > during
> > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women
> > (UN
> > > CSW)
> > >
> > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be authorised
by
> > the
> > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
is
> > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on records
> held
> > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > General
> > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations Investigation
> > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights by
> > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
by
> > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> security
> > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
the
> > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > harassment
> > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > associated
> > > with them.
> > >
> > >
> > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > organisations
> > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
and
> > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
and
> > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> rights
> > > and civil society activists.
> > >
> > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR),
> > and
> > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
the
> > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
freedoms
> > >
> > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
parliamentary
> > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security Service
> > (SSS)
> > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> Federation
> > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > >
> > > We reiterate that:
> > >
> > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that no
> one
> > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > >
> > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the rig
ht
> > to
> > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
to
> > > return to his country
> > >
> > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights)
> > > states that
> > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall
> be
> > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > >
> > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
ensure
> > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members in
> the
> > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil, cultural,
> > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with the
> > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > instruments
> > > and the protection of national laws
> > >
> > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
legal
> > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> ensure
> > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions the
> > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > >
> > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights) states
> > that
> > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
of
> > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and
> > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
be
> > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > >
> > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
the
> > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
institute
> > > accountability.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records to
> > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> records
> > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> persons.
> > >
> > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
continue
> > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
human
> > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
with
> > > them.
> > >
> > >
> > > For further information contact
> > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > >
> > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> through
> > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > >
> > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des femmes
> > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> d'autres
> > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---
> > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:51:50 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a2a6$683c7a60$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks Peter for your opinion. what others think about Peter's views?
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:31:59 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Summary for the week's discussion topic.
Message-ID: <004601c2a2a3$a1d78420$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
I think Mr Mututu has summarised very well for us the issues around involving men in strategies and programmes for combating gender violence. I dont think I need to overemphasize anything. He has outlined the various issues and points for consideration and pointed us to some resources to illustrate what has worked for them.
In this summary i will just highlight some of the points that i think we need to ponder upon, as journalists and communicators.
1) I think we all agree that men need to be part of the equation in finding solutions to gender based violence. For this reason it is also important that instead of leaving it to chance, to sensitize men, strategies and programmes be developed that specifically focus on involving men and making them part of the solution. This came out clearly in Mr Mututu' s summary and i think is critical to the success of our efforts to combat gender violence in the region.
2) And what i think also came out very clearly is that it should start with men themselves, engaging in a process of self review and self analysis and acceptance that what they have been made to accept as manhood has in part contributed to the problem of gender based violence.
3) The development of a men's movement to work hand in glove with the women's movement was also identified as critical in developing tools and strategies that work in the fight against gender based violence. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, it is importnat to consider each part as complimenting the efforts of the other. A number of organizations have sprung up in the region, trying to get men organized against gender injustice.
4) Men can be part of the women's movement and vice-versa and there is need to sensitize both men and women to this effect. this will be particularly important in helping both womn and men see that they need each other in combating gender violence.
5) Culture and socialization processes have played a big part in instilling and inculcating attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender violence and we need to understand this (as journalists and communicators) so as to avoid wrongly judging men and women for the way they act and reacct in given situations and cirumstances. We should try and avoid labelling and judging as this breeds a defensive attitude.
Some resources for journalists:
Here is a list of organizations that have made efforts to get men to work together with women in combating gender violence.
1) Padare Men's Forum on Gender
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
2) Men for Change (South Africa)
Thulani Nkosi
Tel: 27 11 885 1635
Email: thulaninkosi@hotmail.com
3) Men's Forum (South Africa)
Mbuyiselo Botha
Tel: 27 11 800 6349
Email: butana.nkosi@eskom.co.za
4) Swaziland Association for Men
Bongani Mamba
Tel: 268 3636511/6047244
NB: If you are aware of an oganization in your respective country that seeks to work with men in combating gender violence, please add it to this list of resources and share it with the others in the group.
Closing remarks
As you all know we have come to the end of our five week discussion session.
Let me take the opportunity to thank you all for actively sharing your opionions and ideas in this session of the online online discussion, which as you all remeber was designed to run parallel to the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence. I must say that i enjoyed "talking" to you and hearing your opinions on the various issues that we discussed. Although i had to take break due to ill health, I am glad that you continued to discuss and share opinions during the time I was off line.
I would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and finding time in your busy schedules to share with others in the region. I am aware that this time of the year people are extremely busy with end of year reports and widning up the year's business. Nevertheless, you still found time to share your opinions and ideas and kept the group alive!! thank you. I hope that we have all learnt a lesson or two on the various topics discussed and that we will continue to reflect and think about these issues and make our region free from gender violence.
Let me remind you that the group is still open as a forum to share alerts, news and views and we should continue to discuss and debate and contribute meangfully to reduction of gender violence in our communities. As journalists and communicators, we have a big role to play in transforming our societies and challneging those cultural practices that pepertuate gender violence.
A speacial thank you to all our resource persons for the different topics: Doo Aphane at WLSA Swaziland, KeIso Matashane from WLSA Lesotho, Chloe Hardy from the AIDS Law Project in South Africa, Regis Mututu from Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe...your contributions were greatly appreciated.
Lindiwe Nkutha, thanks very much for standing in for me when chicken pox forced me into bed!
Way Forward
I will compile a full report, incorporating all the summaries for the four weeks, which i will circulate to all early next year.
We close our office today for the Christmas holidays and will be back in on the 6 January. So until then, HAVE A BLESSED AND RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!
Once more, thank you very much for the commitment and enthusiasm which saw us through the five weeks of discussion!!
May the good Lord Bless you abundantly!!!!
Peace
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 16:01:47 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Tue Apr 17 18:14:32 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
References: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001e01c2a2b0$2f251b60$07a5fea9@peter>
Please can we give it a political significance
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To:
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 2:49 PM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> Dear all
> An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
> Alice
>
> Original Message -----
> > > From: FEMNET
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > > Service
> > > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > > members
> > > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
> out
> > of
> > > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel
documents,
> > > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > > >
> > > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > > >
> > > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
> Pan-African
> > > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> > Democracy
> > > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
> African
> > > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> > with
> > > on
> > > > matters relating to the African Union
> > > >
> > > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA),
and
> > her
> > > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of
gender
> > and
> > > > conflict in Africa.
> > > >
> > > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
> (WACOL)
> > > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > > during
> > > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
> Women
> > > (UN
> > > > CSW)
> > > >
> > > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be
authorised
> by
> > > the
> > > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
> is
> > > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on
records
> > held
> > > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > > General
> > > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations
Investigation
> > > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights
by
> > > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
> by
> > > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> > security
> > > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
> the
> > > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > > harassment
> > > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > > associated
> > > > with them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > > organisations
> > > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
> and
> > > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
> and
> > > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> > rights
> > > > and civil society activists.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
> (UDHR),
> > > and
> > > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
> the
> > > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
> freedoms
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
> parliamentary
> > > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security
Service
> > > (SSS)
> > > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> > Federation
> > > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > > >
> > > > We reiterate that:
> > > >
> > > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that
no
> > one
> > > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > > >
> > > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the
rig
> ht
> > > to
> > > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
> to
> > > > return to his country
> > > >
> > > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
> Rights)
> > > > states that
> > > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall
> > be
> > > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > > >
> > > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
> ensure
> > > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members
in
> > the
> > > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil,
cultural,
> > > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with
the
> > > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > > instruments
> > > > and the protection of national laws
> > > >
> > > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
> legal
> > > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> > ensure
> > > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions
the
> > > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > > >
> > > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights)
states
> > > that
> > > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
> of
> > > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons
and
> > > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
> be
> > > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > > >
> > > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
> the
> > > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
> institute
> > > > accountability.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records
to
> > > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> > records
> > > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> > persons.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
> continue
> > > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
> human
> > > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
> with
> > > > them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > For further information contact
> > > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> > through
> > > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des
femmes
> > > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> > d'autres
> > > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---
> > > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Egemtraining mailing list
> Egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
> http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/egemtraining
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 09:04:15 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 11:52:23 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212091427.QAA03153@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi folks,
Please welcome me back aboard - I had taken a 14 day breather. Judging from
the mails which I have just gone through, I really missed alot. Keep it up,
gang, wonderful and excellent discussions you had.
Questions:
To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating gender
violence?
Get it from a man - men are the majority pepetrators of violence and it is
very ironic that men have not been very much involved in preaching against
gender violence. May be this can be attributted to the nature of African
society. Men who are seen to be 'sympathetic' to women are often frowned
at.
But I am of the belief that men should seize every opportunity to preach
against gender violence as it affects not only the battered women (wives)
but also the children. Psychologists say children who grow up in a family
where there is a lot of fighting will be tormented mentally in their lives.
(Let me drop this subject here.)
Being a Zimbabwean I only know of one group of men: PADARE which advocates
for fight against gender violence. PADARE has a motto which is very
appealing to me. It goes: "Real men do not beat women."
If men should play a role, what role should they play?
I would not know if this is pragmatic: but when a woman is beaten-up
by one man, men should team-up and demonstrate against and denounce their
colleague. I, for one, would not mind doing that.
Men should sress the importance and advantages of having a peaceful society:
free of gender violence. I think I alluded to this briefly above.
Later gang,
col.
From: "research"
To:
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 9:04 am
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Mon Dec 9 12:27:21 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Mon Dec 9 14:56:05 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw Mon Dec 9 17:33:33 2002
From: dailynews20 at dailynews.co.zw (Columbus S. Mavhunga)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Message-ID: <200212092008.WAA07080@dailynews.co.zw>
Hi again,
May be I failed to stress my point on how when I said that there should be
eductaion on the benefits of a society which is gender violence-free - this
can be scientific or otherwise. I mean the importance say to the family and
the like.
This can be done by encouraging men to form groups which agitates for men
not to beat-up women (mainly) and for women not to do the same as well.
PADARE in Zimbabwe has been doing that but I think a lot can be done and has
to be done.
How about that for now from me?
I am off home now, later,
col.
----------
From: "research"
To: "ebasadi" ,
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Date: Mon, Dec 9, 2002, 2:56 pm
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your
opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be
part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do
we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that
there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these
myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of
culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and
women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ;
egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is
likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender
based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently
are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so
by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They
can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's
rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts
is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence
need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and
men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!!
Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are
wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating
gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week
will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up.
Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender
violence have been championed by women, especially through the women?s
movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are
however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics
as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the
region.
Recently we have seen men?s movements developing in some countries in the
region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in
combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men
(SAM) and the Padare Men?s Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount
to giving them room to hijack women?s efforts towards gender equality and
eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is
often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men?s movements be involved in combating
gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Tue Dec 10 07:37:06 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Tue Dec 10 08:44:28 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
References: <002c01c29f51$30319b80$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c29f6d$8fb2b320$9d06fea9@peter> <00af01c29f82$56eb9600$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000b01c2a00e$2f2c1680$8674fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a017$96ff4940$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
thanks for your contributions Peter and Columbus. What do others think? Lets share ideas and discuss. Others you have been very quiet on this topic!! You dont care whether men are aor are not part of the debate??? (smile) Please lets share our opinions!!!!! Hoping to hear from the women as well!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Good morning to you all
I think practically we need to stop bashing them (Men) who abuse their partners and make them feel humasn too. Then we need to organise them in groups and begin to allow them practically participate in community efforts to combat domestic violence- say we have groups of men who have admitted that they have a problem of controling their feelings and rationalising and they can be made to respond accordingly to the abuse situation and secondl;y we need to talk more about humman rights to such male groups.
We need to start with a group of few men and mobilising the rest to come out- i know it is not that easy but everythinh had its beggining. It is quite better and more visible when we start with young males.
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: ebasadi ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear all
Thanks very much for these views, Peter and thanks also Columbus for your opinions. I think both of you seem to be of the opinion that men need to be part of the solution. What I think we may need to focus on more is HOW do we, in the region, make them part of the war? I think Peter you mention that there are myths about men that perpetrate gender violence, and most of these myths are infact embedded in culture, or rather are justified as part of culture. How then do we begin to challenge these and convince men (and women) that they are part of the solution? Lets continue to talk!!!!!!
Alice
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
They say an army general or strategist who focus on one aspect of the wat is likely to loose.
Gender based violence is as old as society itself.
But it should be a deliberate efforts to involve men in combating gender based violence. They men should be understood differently from how currently are percieved. We need understand that some of them are opprtessed to do so by forces that for them to chasnge will need a deliberate efforts.
Secondly it would not help to label them- as that won't changer a thing.
Men can play quite a major role in combating Gender -based violence. They can be used to counsell other men who have previously violated women's rights.
The danger of creating polarities by saying they will hijack women's efforts is rather too middle class and out side the scope of universe of discourse.
The process of men participating in ending/reducing gender based violence need people who drive to first understand a number of myths about sex and men. There is also a need to understand men's psychology and their world.
Is violence against women an old practice or a recent phenomenon?
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 9:04 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Discussion Topic for the week
Dear All
A very good morning and welcome to the last week of our online discusions!! Remember this is our last week of discussion for this session and we are wrapping up with a very interesting topic: "The role of Men in Combating gender Violence". Last week was a bit on the quiet side and I hope this week will be more lively. Lets all talk and share our opinions as we wrap up. Find below the week's topic. Lets talk!!
Week 5:
The role of men in combating gender violence
In many societies in the SADC region, initiatives towards combating gender violence have been championed by women, especially through the women's movement. Most programmes and strategies have not targeted men, who are however the majority of the perpetrators. This has been seen by many critics as a flow in the strategies towards eradication of gender violence in the region.
Recently we have seen men's movements developing in some countries in the region and these have focused on making men part of the solution in combating gender violence. For instance, the Swaziland Association of Men (SAM) and the Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe, are such examples.
Some people have argued that making men part of the solution is tantamount to giving them room to hijack women's efforts towards gender equality and eradication of gender violence, especially in the region where culture is often used as an excuse by men in violating the rights of women.
Questions:
1) To what extent should the men's movements be involved in combating gender violence?
2) If men should play a role, hat role should they play?
LETS DISCUSS!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Thu Dec 12 10:17:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Message-ID: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From radiomaria at malawi.net Thu Dec 12 14:52:35 2002
From: radiomaria at malawi.net (Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From ebasadi at global.bw Thu Dec 12 15:13:05 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000201c2a1e5$ee6d04e0$1496fea9@peter>
Good
Lets have that
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From padare at mweb.co.zw Thu Dec 12 16:55:41 2002
From: padare at mweb.co.zw (Padare)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 09:21:40 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Hello
References: <005d01c2a042$82dca860$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001801c2a1dd$be5549a0$18a894d0@computer>
Message-ID: <007b01c2a278$48ab0d20$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
Thanks very much for this Fr Steve Kamanga. Its good to hear that steps in the right direction are being taken in the region and that both women and men are getting involved in the fight against gender violence. Its a pity that we did not get any women to share their opinions on the subject. I hope we will hear from some before we wrap up by end of day today!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Fr. Steve Kamanga jnr
To: Alice Kwaramba ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: Hello
Hie all,
Sorry, I have been absent in the discussion. We had serious problems of telephones in our region. Am back and wish to say:
Men have a very important role to play in the battle against gender based violence. This is because according to what we found when we discussed on culture, we saw many cultures in our region have made man to dominate life and because of this man is mostly a perpetrator of the violence whether consciously or unconsciously. I therefore believe very strongly that if this man is left out in this battle, all the efforts made shall be fruitless. He has to be involved in order that the cultures that lead to such violences can change.
Here in Malawi I see that the different groups that advocate these no-violence messages are doing a good job by involving male journalists, male parliamentarians/politicians, civil servants, church leaders etc. On how to do this then I think we must find out what suits our area. Things like awareness workshops, briefings targeting different male dominated groups. Forming associations or groups of men to be helping in the fight. Having Radio programs where possible to educate men on the subject. Founding magazines, newspapers etc or using those which are already there to bring the messages far. Introducing possibilities of such awarenesses in school curriculum making sure the children begin to learn being gender sensitive from early stages. Reworking on the laws that govern our countries to make sure our laws are gender balanced.
Last Tuesday I was invited to the official inauguration of the new offices of Malawi CAREER, a non-governmental association founded to research, protect and teach human rights. It has special interest on gender based issues trying to prevent gender based violence especially on women and children. I was impressed, the majority of the people who were invited and were helped to be involved were men and the government officials who were there to represent the ministry of Gender in the country taking advantage of the people emphasized on the same issue that men must stand up and work towards fighting against gender based violence. I think something is being done but we need to do more.
Steve
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 10:02:04 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:11 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0>
Message-ID: <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
-------------- next part --------------
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 13:11:43 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:12 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:49:13 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:12 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
Message-ID: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
Alice
Original Message -----
> > From: FEMNET
> > To:
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> >
> >
> > >
> > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > >
> > >
> > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > Service
> > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > members
> > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
out
> of
> > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel documents,
> > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > >
> > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > >
> > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
Pan-African
> > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> Democracy
> > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
African
> > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> with
> > on
> > > matters relating to the African Union
> > >
> > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA), and
> her
> > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of gender
> and
> > > conflict in Africa.
> > >
> > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
(WACOL)
> > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > during
> > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women
> > (UN
> > > CSW)
> > >
> > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be authorised
by
> > the
> > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
is
> > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on records
> held
> > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > General
> > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations Investigation
> > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights by
> > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
by
> > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> security
> > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
the
> > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > harassment
> > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > associated
> > > with them.
> > >
> > >
> > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > organisations
> > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
and
> > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
and
> > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> rights
> > > and civil society activists.
> > >
> > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR),
> > and
> > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
the
> > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
freedoms
> > >
> > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
parliamentary
> > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security Service
> > (SSS)
> > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> Federation
> > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > >
> > > We reiterate that:
> > >
> > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that no
> one
> > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > >
> > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the rig
ht
> > to
> > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
to
> > > return to his country
> > >
> > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights)
> > > states that
> > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall
> be
> > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > >
> > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
ensure
> > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members in
> the
> > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil, cultural,
> > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with the
> > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > instruments
> > > and the protection of national laws
> > >
> > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
legal
> > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> ensure
> > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions the
> > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > >
> > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights) states
> > that
> > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
of
> > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and
> > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
be
> > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > >
> > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
the
> > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
institute
> > > accountability.
> > >
> > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records to
> > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> records
> > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> persons.
> > >
> > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
continue
> > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
human
> > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
with
> > > them.
> > >
> > >
> > > For further information contact
> > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > >
> > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> through
> > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > >
> > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des femmes
> > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> d'autres
> > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---
> > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > > Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:51:50 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:12 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
References: <009201c2a1b6$e0247280$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <000801c2a1ee$9e003fa0$564802c4@l6a9h0> <009501c2a27d$ed5f6960$0e00a8c0@ALICEK> <001c01c2a298$6c43b320$4a84fea9@peter>
Message-ID: <002501c2a2a6$683c7a60$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear all
Thanks Peter for your opinion. what others think about Peter's views?
----- Original Message -----
From: ebasadi
To: research ; Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
We need to be carefull to assume that men will voluntarily come out. That men abuse their spouses and partners is some that is internally and we need to understand the process- its psychological, social, ideological as well as cultural dimensions.
To debase the phalocentric attitudes have to be initiated as a deliberate process.
Some of these thing ought be understood from amale perspective- because it a question of power and competition for space. Power to control and sapce to conguer- that is basiically a maleness. Only when we carefully and systematically examine these issues that we can come close to understanding dynamics of being male.
There is scientific evidence that men wont be changed by focusing on issues such culture and the way they where socialised. This we need to know and probably problematise.
In close we need to talk to men, because we have talked to ourselves for too long- men feel alienated at this point in time and space.
But i think too that we change our approach- we saying obvious things and we know that- May be we need to look at it from an anthropologicall perspective.
Peter Tshukudu
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: Padare ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Deal Regis
Thank you very much for this summary Mr. Mututu. I agree with you that its been a bit disappointing that not many people have shared their views on this very important topic.
I think you raise quite interesting and important points in your summary, especially where you say that the involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contention as women activists have understood and accepted men's involvement as significant to gender justice. The other thing you mentioned which i found challenging is the need for men to begin to interrogate the socialiation processes that have for generations defined them in ceratin ways that have contributed to gender violence...and that an honest willingness to do a self analysis (by men) is critical to commitment to eradicate gender violence.
Also interesting and challenging is your point about the need for men to break the silence and TALK about gender violence and challenge each other to respect the rights of women and children...and that there is more to gain by becoming a gender sensitive man through self reflection and self analysis!! Quite food for thought for both men and women.
What do others think about these very important and interesting points raised by Mr. Mututu? Lets hear your opinions and comments before we close the discussions end of day today!!!!
Once more thanks very much Mr. Mututu for this inspiring summary.
Lets talk about it!!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: Padare
To: research ; egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All,
Thanks to you all who participated in the topic on the role of men in combating gender violence though I must say I am a bit disapointed by the response to few men responded. Anyway here is my summing up though I do not see this as an expert opinion.
(a) To what extent should the men's movement be involved in combating gender violence?
There is a growing interest and intention being given to the participation of men in combating gender violence. However we need to look at this question in a much broader context and add on the question whether men have any role to play at all in the women's movement as well. As men for a long time we have remained largely uncncerned, uniterested and in fact hostile to issues that are characteristic of a women's movement including the question of gender violence.
The involvement of men in the fight agianst gender violence has never been an area of contenetion . y and large women activists understnd and accept mmen's involvement in gender issues as a a welcome and significant to the struggle for gender justice. Gender concerns itself with the need to alter unjust power relations between men and women that often disadvnantage women. Gender violence is an extreme manifestation of the unjust power realtions as wel all know. The involvement and focus on men is necessary as men we are the major players whoe colloboration is required to enforce women's subjugation.We men must see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore should take the responsibility to become part of the solution. Such an acceptance does not in any way label men in a negative manner but the beginning of a process that can liberate men from the ugly side of manhood.
The women's movement is accredited with developing the various tools of ananlysis that we have used to understand the power dynamics influencng the behaviour of men and women. It has developed a very eloquent articulation of the esxperiencne of women under male domination that (including gender violence). We need now to move beyond this and develop as men and women strategies and tools of analysis to end the gender violence and oppression of women that accept and involve men.
The biggest problem and challenge therefore has been the lack of involvement by men in the light of this invitation by women activists and some men. This is the results of many years of society's insistence that men and women belong to different "fixed boxes" of existence in terms of our social roles.
Finally let me conclude the first question by ponting out that I see the involvement and and role of men as conditional in the sense that there has to be a demonstrated level of preparedness and commitment among men to engage in a process of interrogation directed specifically at the social conditioning that has resulted in the development of a destructive image of manhood that is based on the dominant role of men. An interrogation of our manhood and masculinity is required and this must be the responsibility of us men.The point of departure of this dialogue must the experience of abused women and generally of women's subordination and oppression at the hands of us men as a result of male domination. What this says about the prerequisite for the involevemenet of men in combating gender violence is that women will continue to require their own space to reflect on the conditions of male oppression and violence which has become their daily experience.
(b) if men should play a role what role shold they play
Gender hierarchies and inequalities bot reflect and perpetuate gender based violence (GBV) However the critical factor is the role that men can play in exploring the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms , practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. What is of note is that no culture is static. No culture is immune to historical or political change. The role that men can play is therefore create a culture that says NO to violence against women. It is important that men start to critically explore and challenge the history and construction of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women. Men must examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. Men should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why?
In practical terms what does this mean for men? What organising strategies does such an approach based on a critique of culture lead to ? Men must develop strategies that vary and reflect what is happening in the region and the current political situation. It may sound simplistic, but men must talk and talk and talk and send the message that violence against women is wrong, it can be stopped and must not be tolerated by anyone including men. The message must be spread through leafletting, posters, print and electronic media, drama and art , thearter, road shows, radio and tv programs, and educating youths and young men .The critical issue here is the message that there is a growing social movement of men (eg PADARE/Swaziland Association of Men) that can speak out, is visible and says gender violence is wrong.
Mens' groups must prioritise sensitisation workshops especailly among men of influence such as the police, army, teachers and magistrates as these men are responsible for enforcing law and order. These men are also crucial in that they are the lowest point at community level that wield power, dominate and oppress women. Some of them are perpetrators of violence in their individual capacity or in the process of exercising their power and authority. The sensitisation workshops must also address the broader issues of gender and equity so as to convince husbands boyfriends and partners of women's rights.Time intervals os say one or two weeks must be built into the workshop process so as to allow for reflection and deeper understanding of the issues.
Peter or was it Columbus asked whether it was practical for men to take action and demonstrate against perpetrators . Yes it is VERY practical and sends out a loud and clear message that there are men out there who are against gender based violence . We at PADARE have done it (see the Daily News www.dailynews.co.zw and the Herald www.herald.co.zw both of Wed.20 Nov 2002. There is need to move on to such activism as men.Practically this means monitoring perpetrators within communities and taking action and following up on previous cases of violence against women. In the long term there is need for advocacy on policy and legislation that will give such mens' groups the right to provide therapy, rehabilitation and and counselling in return for reduction in sentences especially for first time offenders, youths and young men.It is important that men identify among themselves role models to support the elimination of violence against women in communities. Our experiences from PADARE/ENKUDLENI/MENS FORUM ON GENDER informs us that indeed there are men out there who are beginning to question their attitudes, behaviour and practices on gender violence. We still have a long way to go, it is difficult work but it is possible.
Finally, what is critically is for MEN to start talking and talking and taking action. Such men are committed to admit that there can be no excuse for being violen against women. None. The process of self reflection of who we as men and the possibilities of what we can become has led some of us to discover that there is so much to gain for men when they open up to the challenge of eliminating gender based violence. We are able to clearly make the shift from the mind to emotions and from the public to the personal. This is what we are learning from women and we feel more human that way.
We are looking for a few good men!
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To: egemtraining@lists.sn.apc.org
Cc: padare@mweb.co.zw
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 10:17 AM
Subject: Expert opinion on the role of men
Dear All
Today we will get expert opinion on the role of men in combating gender violence, from Mr Regis Mututu of Padare Men's Forum on Gender and we will wrap up our discussions for the year tomorrow! Hope to hear from Mr. Mututu soon. Please remember to use the Reply to All function so that your opinions are shared by all in the group. Over to you Mr. Mututu!!
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From research at genderlinks.org.za Fri Dec 13 14:31:59 2002
From: research at genderlinks.org.za (research)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:12 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Summary for the week's discussion topic.
Message-ID: <004601c2a2a3$a1d78420$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Dear All
I think Mr Mututu has summarised very well for us the issues around involving men in strategies and programmes for combating gender violence. I dont think I need to overemphasize anything. He has outlined the various issues and points for consideration and pointed us to some resources to illustrate what has worked for them.
In this summary i will just highlight some of the points that i think we need to ponder upon, as journalists and communicators.
1) I think we all agree that men need to be part of the equation in finding solutions to gender based violence. For this reason it is also important that instead of leaving it to chance, to sensitize men, strategies and programmes be developed that specifically focus on involving men and making them part of the solution. This came out clearly in Mr Mututu' s summary and i think is critical to the success of our efforts to combat gender violence in the region.
2) And what i think also came out very clearly is that it should start with men themselves, engaging in a process of self review and self analysis and acceptance that what they have been made to accept as manhood has in part contributed to the problem of gender based violence.
3) The development of a men's movement to work hand in glove with the women's movement was also identified as critical in developing tools and strategies that work in the fight against gender based violence. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, it is importnat to consider each part as complimenting the efforts of the other. A number of organizations have sprung up in the region, trying to get men organized against gender injustice.
4) Men can be part of the women's movement and vice-versa and there is need to sensitize both men and women to this effect. this will be particularly important in helping both womn and men see that they need each other in combating gender violence.
5) Culture and socialization processes have played a big part in instilling and inculcating attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender violence and we need to understand this (as journalists and communicators) so as to avoid wrongly judging men and women for the way they act and reacct in given situations and cirumstances. We should try and avoid labelling and judging as this breeds a defensive attitude.
Some resources for journalists:
Here is a list of organizations that have made efforts to get men to work together with women in combating gender violence.
1) Padare Men's Forum on Gender
Regis Mtutu
Executive Director
Padare /Enkudleni/Mens Forum on Gender
285 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel + 263-4- 778 687/ 778598
Fax + 263-4-778 620
Email: padare@mweb.co.zw
2) Men for Change (South Africa)
Thulani Nkosi
Tel: 27 11 885 1635
Email: thulaninkosi@hotmail.com
3) Men's Forum (South Africa)
Mbuyiselo Botha
Tel: 27 11 800 6349
Email: butana.nkosi@eskom.co.za
4) Swaziland Association for Men
Bongani Mamba
Tel: 268 3636511/6047244
NB: If you are aware of an oganization in your respective country that seeks to work with men in combating gender violence, please add it to this list of resources and share it with the others in the group.
Closing remarks
As you all know we have come to the end of our five week discussion session.
Let me take the opportunity to thank you all for actively sharing your opionions and ideas in this session of the online online discussion, which as you all remeber was designed to run parallel to the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence. I must say that i enjoyed "talking" to you and hearing your opinions on the various issues that we discussed. Although i had to take break due to ill health, I am glad that you continued to discuss and share opinions during the time I was off line.
I would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and finding time in your busy schedules to share with others in the region. I am aware that this time of the year people are extremely busy with end of year reports and widning up the year's business. Nevertheless, you still found time to share your opinions and ideas and kept the group alive!! thank you. I hope that we have all learnt a lesson or two on the various topics discussed and that we will continue to reflect and think about these issues and make our region free from gender violence.
Let me remind you that the group is still open as a forum to share alerts, news and views and we should continue to discuss and debate and contribute meangfully to reduction of gender violence in our communities. As journalists and communicators, we have a big role to play in transforming our societies and challneging those cultural practices that pepertuate gender violence.
A speacial thank you to all our resource persons for the different topics: Doo Aphane at WLSA Swaziland, KeIso Matashane from WLSA Lesotho, Chloe Hardy from the AIDS Law Project in South Africa, Regis Mututu from Padare Men's Forum on Gender in Zimbabwe...your contributions were greatly appreciated.
Lindiwe Nkutha, thanks very much for standing in for me when chicken pox forced me into bed!
Way Forward
I will compile a full report, incorporating all the summaries for the four weeks, which i will circulate to all early next year.
We close our office today for the Christmas holidays and will be back in on the 6 January. So until then, HAVE A BLESSED AND RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!
Once more, thank you very much for the commitment and enthusiasm which saw us through the five weeks of discussion!!
May the good Lord Bless you abundantly!!!!
Peace
Alice Kwaramba
Senior Researcher
Gender Links
1 Ernest Oppenheimer Street
Lower Ground Floor
Lakeside Place
Bruma, 2198
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 622 2877/7796
Fax: +27 11 622 4732
Email: alice@genderlinks.org.za
research@genderlinks.org.za
URL: www.genderlinks.org.za
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From ebasadi at global.bw Fri Dec 13 16:01:47 2002
From: ebasadi at global.bw (ebasadi)
Date: Wed May 23 11:00:12 2007
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
References: <001a01c2a2a6$0a16c350$0e00a8c0@ALICEK>
Message-ID: <001e01c2a2b0$2f251b60$07a5fea9@peter>
Please can we give it a political significance
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: research
To:
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 2:49 PM
Subject: [Egemtraining] Fw: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> Dear all
> An alert i have just received. Please circulte and take action.
> Alice
>
> Original Message -----
> > > From: FEMNET
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 2:53 AM
> > > Subject: [womenact] ACTION ALERT NIGERIA
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > ACTION ALERT Nigeria
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > During the first week of December 2002, the Nigerian State Security
> > > Service
> > > > (SSS) prevented several well-known human rights activists including
> > > members
> > > > of the Nigerian civil society and women's movement, from travelling
> out
> > of
> > > > the country. The SSS confiscated passports and other travel
documents,
> > > > declaring them wanted for interrogation.
> > > >
> > > > Some of those affected by these recent human rights violations were:
> > > >
> > > > ? Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, Secretary-General of the Global
> Pan-African
> > > > Movement, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for
> > Democracy
> > > > and Development (CDD), and Director of Justice Africa. Whom the
> African
> > > > Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) works closely
> > with
> > > on
> > > > matters relating to the African Union
> > > >
> > > > ? Ms Iheoma Obibi, Executive Director, Alliances for Africa (AfA),
and
> > her
> > > > child, Dilim Odinkalu. FEMNET has worked with AFA on issues of
gender
> > and
> > > > conflict in Africa.
> > > >
> > > > ? Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women's Aid Collective
> (WACOL)
> > > > whom FEMNET collaborates around the follow up to the Beijing process
> > > during
> > > > annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
> Women
> > > (UN
> > > > CSW)
> > > >
> > > > This new wave of human rights violations is believed to be
authorised
> by
> > > the
> > > > highest levels of Nigeria's political and military establishment. It
> is
> > > > further believed that this new wave of violations is based on
records
> > held
> > > > over from military dictatorship era. In June 1999, the government of
> > > General
> > > > Olusegun Obasanjo established a Human Rights Violations
Investigation
> > > > Commission (HRVIC) to investigate gross violations of human rights
by
> > > > successive military regimes in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999. While
> > > > submitting the report early this year, the Commission declined calls
> by
> > > > human rights and women's organisations to declassify military era
> > security
> > > > files. The failure to declassify this information is believed to be
> the
> > > > basis of the continued violations of human rights and the current
> > > harassment
> > > > of human rights and women's organisations, activists and persons
> > > associated
> > > > with them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET expresses solidarity with all human rights and women's
> > > organisations
> > > > and activists in Nigeria and joins the Centre for Research Education
> and
> > > > Development of Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights (CREDO)
> and
> > > > colleagues in strongly condemning the recent restrictions on human
> > rights
> > > > and civil society activists.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET notes that Nigeria is party to International Conventions and
> > > > Declarations including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
> (UDHR),
> > > and
> > > > the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and therefore has
> the
> > > > obligation to promote and protect human and peoples' rights and
> freedoms
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET is deeply concerned that there is no ministerial or
> parliamentary
> > > > oversight over the activities of the Nigeria's State Security
Service
> > > (SSS)
> > > > and other such agencies under decree (now Act) 278, Laws of the
> > Federation
> > > > of Nigeria 1990. This hinders judicial supervision of the SSS and is
> > > > preserved by Section 315(5)(c) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
> > > >
> > > > We reiterate that:
> > > >
> > > > Article 5 of the (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) sates that
no
> > one
> > > > shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile
> > > >
> > > > Article 13 on the same Declaration states that 1. Everyone has the
rig
> ht
> > > to
> > > > freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state
> > > > 1. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own and
> to
> > > > return to his country
> > > >
> > > > Article 9 of the (International Covenant on Civil and Political
> Rights)
> > > > states that
> > > > Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall
> > be
> > > > subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention...
> > > >
> > > > Section I of the Beijing Platform for Action urges governments to
> ensure
> > > > that all women and non governmental organisations and their members
in
> > the
> > > > field of protection and promotion of all human rights-civil,
cultural,
> > > > economic, political and social rights, including the right to
> > > > development-enjoy all human rights and freedoms in accordance with
the
> > > > universal declaration of Human Rights and all other human rights
> > > instruments
> > > > and the protection of national laws
> > > >
> > > > Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
> > > > Discrimination Against Women requires states parties to establish
> legal
> > > > protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men and to
> > ensure
> > > > through competent national tribunals and other public institutions
the
> > > > effective protection of women against any act of discrimination.
> > > >
> > > > Article 6 of the (African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights)
states
> > > that
> > > > every individual shall have the right to liberty and to the security
> of
> > > > person. No one shall be deprived of his freedom except for reasons
and
> > > > conditions previously laid down by the law. In particular no one may
> be
> > > > arbitrarily arrested or detained.
> > > >
> > > > We therefore strongly urge:
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to note that Nigeria has reneged on its
> > > > international and regional obligations on human rights.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian Government to create a parliamentary oversight body on
> the
> > > > activities of Nigerian SSS and other such agencies in order to
> institute
> > > > accountability.
> > > >
> > > > The Nigerian government to stop relying on dubious security records
to
> > > > harass human rights activists or organisations and declassify the
> > records
> > > > held over from the military era dictatorship against law-abiding
> > persons.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET also urges all human rights and women's organisations to
> continue
> > > > demanding for the declassification of security files and to condemn
> > > > violations of human rights and the harassment of pro-democracy and
> human
> > > > rights and women's organisations, activists and persons associated
> with
> > > > them.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > For further information contact
> > > > African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
> > > > R?seau de D?veloppement et de Communications des Femmes Africaines
> > > > P. O. Box 54562, Nairobi, Kenya.
> > > > Tel: +254 2 3741301/20
> > > > Fax: +254 2 3742927
> > > > E-mail: femnet@africaonline.co.ke
> > > > Website: http://www.femnet.or.ke
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET aims to strengthen the role and contribution of African NGO's
> > > > focussing on women's development equality and other human rights,
> > through
> > > > communications, networking, training and advocacy.
> > > >
> > > > FEMNET vise ? renforcer le r?le et la contribution des ONG des
femmes
> > > > africaines en mettant l'accent sur le d?veloppemnt, l'?galit? et
> > d'autres
> > > > droits humains de femmes par le moyen des
> > > > communications, travail de r?seau, formation et plaidoyer.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---
> > > > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > > > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > > womenact-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
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