As part of its Beijing+20 Campaign and its work to engage men and boys in gender equality and transforming social and gender norms, UN Women participated in the Men Engagement Capacity Enhancement Training. The workshop was hosted by Advocates for Social Change Kenya (ADSOCK) and a national network of civil society organizations and journalists.

“When the man becomes that transformation, he will automatically model the change we are seeking,” said Faith Nashipae, head of the Male Engagement Thematic area for the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Actions.

The social norms that give men more power and autonomy than women, and the cultural expectations around masculinity also shape men’s decisions and behaviours. Men often feel the pressure to conform to society’s standards of what it means to be a ‘real man.’

Thuku Njuguna, the vice chair of Men for Gender Equality Now, shared, “Masculinity is both a prejudice to manhood and a book of social laws, or we can even say a guide to which men are held.”

Many men are starting to challenge the pressure associated with traditional masculinity. They are using their voices and privilege to shift norms and perceptions about gender, and are working to address the patriarchal beliefs, practices, institutions, and structures that have contributed to inequality between men and women.

Fredrick Nyagah, the Chairperson of Men Engage Kenya Network, adds, “Male engagement is an approach to constructively involve men and boys for the benefit of both genders, ultimately achieving gender equality.”

Transforming deeply ingrained gender norms depends on a few critical factors, and UN Women is collaborating with various stakeholders to encourage discussion and promote understanding of the social construction of masculinities within specific contexts.

Men’s participation in helping to shape the future of gender roles and relations is crucial. The training appealed to men to take personal and collective responsibility to help end gender inequality and emphasized accountability and building alliances towards systematic change.

“Women and men should be equal partners. There is no other way to live,” explained Phil Otieno, Executive Director of ADSOCK. He added that the engagement of both parties as a complementary approach has the potential to accelerate the achievement of SDG 5 on Gender Equality and the reduction of harmful gender and cultural norms in Kenya.

UN Women and the participating stakeholders charted a course for action, including engaging male policymakers in discussions about dismantling harmful aspects of traditional masculinity. By involving men as partners and beneficiaries of change, the workshop participants hope to build a future where everyone can thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Mbambu Juliet is a force to be reckoned with. With walking crutches to support her movement, Juliet is leading a charge against violence and inequality in her community. As the Executive Director of Bwera United Women with Disabilities Association (BUDWA), a community-based organization operating in Kasese District, Juliet has transformed from a woman in need to a beacon of hope for countless others.

“Before I got training from UN Women through its partner Coalition for Action on 1325 (CoACT), my engagement with women with disabilities was limited to providing them with material support,” Juliet admits. “I didn’t know that there is more that can be done.”

That changed in 2021 when she participated in a training on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The experience was a turning point. “I realized that I can offer much to women with disabilities,” she says.

Since then, Juliet and BUDWA have been instrumental in mediating over 137 conflicts, from domestic violence to land disputes. “Women, especially women with disabilities, are the ones most affected by conflicts,” she explains. “They don’t have money to go and report the cases, so they suffer in silence. Having women peace mediators in the community enables these women to report and have the cases mediated at the community level.”

With funding from the Government of Norway, UN Women is implementing a Women, Peace and Security project that, among others, aims at enhancing women’s participation in peacebuilding, mediation, conflict prevention and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). The project is aligned to and contributes to Uganda’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Juliet’s commitment to PCVE was deepened by her participation in another training in 2023. She underscores the impact of insurgency on persons with disabilities, stating, “When there is insurgency, people with disabilities are often left behind. In the face of an attack, a woman with physical disability may not be able to run for safety,” Juliet says. Adding “Insurgencies can also maim more people. If many of us become disabled, who will help another?

Kasese district where Juliet lives is one of the conflict prone districts in Uganda and has experienced several rebel attacks. The most recent June 2023 attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on Lhubiriha Secondary School, which claimed 42 lives including 37 students, was a harrowing ordeal for the community. But it also highlighted the resilience and capabilities of BUDWA. Drawing on skills from their mediation and mental health psychosocial support (MHPSS) training, BUDWA provided essential counseling to 50 affected families. “We reached out to parents who had lost their children, offering counseling and support,” Juliet recalls. “Many were isolated and struggling with trauma. Through our counselling and follow-up sessions, we helped them reconnect with their community and begin the healing process.”

Through their work, BUDWA is not only healing wounds but also preventing future violence. By training women leaders and engaging with community members, they are creating a safer and more inclusive society. “When people see women with disabilities actively contributing to peacebuilding, it challenges old stereotypes,” Juliet explains. “It shows that even with a disability, we can achieve great things and make a significant impact.”

The most rewarding aspect of Juliet’s work is witnessing the tangible change in the lives of women in her community. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing women who once felt vulnerable now empowered and engaged,” she says. “Mediation has helped many families reconcile, and seeing these women flourish is incredibly gratifying.”

As BUDWA continues to grow and evolve, Juliet’s dream is to build a self-sustaining organization that can continue to serve the community long into the future. “My dream is to see BUDWA thrive independently, ensuring that we can continue to serve our community in the long term,” Juliet states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Inspiring youth innovators illustrated the power of technology to tackle South Sudan’s most pressing challenges at an event to celebrate International Youth Day in Juba.

The aim of the event hosted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was to provide the young pioneers with the opportunity to present revolutionary solutions that could shape a brighter future for their country.

“We want to transform South Sudan into a place that embraces diverse perspectives, promotes creativity, and nurtures sustainable development. Empowering women, particularly in fields such as engineering, is essential for making this possible,” said Assunta Achok, an engineer, who stressed the need to challenge societal stereotypes.

The event, themed “From Clicks to Progress,” highlighted how South Sudan’s significant young population and leaders in the digital frontier can drive positive change.

“In this era of rapid technological change, our young people are best positioned to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Therefore, we need to create an environment where they can stay updated and succeed,” said Dut Akol De Dut, Director for Spectrum at the National Communication Authority.

The day’s highlight was an exhibition featuring ten groundbreaking projects, including progressive robots, websites, and apps addressing challenges in education and agriculture.

“Our project is a software, or an application designed to allow beneficiaries to track their academic results and progress regardless of internet availability,” explained James Mayen Machiek, another young innovator.

UNMISS representative, and Chief of the mission’s Radio Miraya network, Ratomir Petrovic underscored the fundamental importance of involving young entrepreneurs in shaping the nation’s future.

“In addressing the complex challenges facing South Sudan, it is imperative to engage the younger generation in decision-making and peace processes.”

The exhibit reaffirmed that South Sudan’s young minds are embracing and propelling the digital future forward, showcasing their ability to make progress with just a click.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

MultiChoice Talent Factory (www.MultiChoice.com) is thrilled to announce that it’s once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.  

Whether you’re a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV&Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.  

Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.

Through a series of rigorous training programs, MTF believes in using hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking. Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry’s best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there.

At the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa. Upon completion students receive accredited and recognised qualification and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms. 

All these initiatives are indicative of MTFs commitment to supporting MultiChoice’s content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories by supporting MTFs students, giving them necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni’s have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.

Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others. Habtamu S. Mekonen, MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme’s profound impact.

MTF also fosters entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. To date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empowers graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program’s requirements.

Are you ready to unleash your talent and step into the spotlight as one of the next generation of filmmakers? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your career in film and television with MultiChoice Talent Factory.

Take the first step towards realising your dreams and apply now.

Your journey to success starts here!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.