The advanced short course on The Role of Men & Boys in Achieving Gender Equality is currently in progress. The course runs from the 4 to 8 August 2014 at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. The course is presented by Sonke Gender Justice Network in partnership with the Centre for the study of AIDS and the Centre for Human Rights.
With over 30 participants drawn mostly from across Africa and expert facilitators in the field of gender justice, this year’s programme focuses on very germane issues which include: the challenges and opportunities of engaging men and boys in gender transformation in Africa; feminist critique to some approaches and interventions for engaging men and boys for gender equality, amongst other stimulating discussions.
Prof Thandabantu Nhlapo (Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Town) presented an interesting and engaging topic titled ‘Culture, tradition, religion and women’s human rights in Africa.’ He most brilliantly un-packed the dynamics around culture, identity, historical order and belief systems. Prof Nhlapo identified and interrogated the following components - gatekeepers (traditional leaders), contestations, dynamism and voluntariness as key features of culture.
Amongst the team of facilitators are:
- Shamim Meer, gender activist and independent researcher
- Desmond Lesejane, Deputy Director: Sonke Gender Justice Network
- Pierre Brouard, Director: Centre for the Study of AIDS, University of Pretoria
- Karen Stefiszyn, Programme Manager: Gender Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
- Mabel Sengendo, Sonke’s International Gender-based Violence Coordinator
- Renugan Raidoo, Coordinator South African National AIDS Council LGBTI sector
It is hoped that participants will go out into their fields equipped to challenge gender inequality, understand the relationality of gender power and promote ideas of the innate dignity of all.
