Men at Women Deliver Conference: Embracing Change through Listening and Action
By Luckson Bashoma
The Women Deliver Conference (#WD2023) has been a catalyst for a profound realization – the root of gender inequalities lies in men’s failure to genuinely listen to the voices of women and children. As I pondered the presence of men at this empowering event, it dawned on me that their active engagement could be the key to achieving gender equity.The conference showcased the transformative power of men listening to women’s problems and concerns. It highlighted how the world becomes a better place when men actively participate and respond to the challenges faced by women. A notable example was the pledge made by H.E. President of Senegal, Macky Sall, who committed to providing academic scholarships to 100 girls from Afghanistan. This decisive action demonstrated that when men listen, swift and impactful decisions are made, benefiting women and girls worldwide.
Women Deliver lived up to its name by delivering 100 academic scholarships to young girls, marking a significant step towards greater gender equity. The conference’s embrace of men at the table was not about dictating how the world should operate, but rather an invitation to genuinely listen and comprehend the struggles that women face daily.
Disturbingly, the conference revealed shocking statistics, such as 1 in 3 women experiencing intimate partner violence, with only 1 in 10 surviving such abuse. These distressing realities have far-reaching implications, impacting women’s confidence and ability to engage in their daily lives fully.
However, amid the bleakness, #WD2023 served as an eye-opener, shedding light on the deeply rooted gender inequalities that persist. It compelled us to confront these issues head-on and take collective action to empower women. It is time for world leaders to rise to the challenge and create environments where women can thrive, unrestricted and flexible.
Luckson Bashoma is the programme manager at ROOTS. This article is part of a series being produced during Women’s Month based on participation by VCSAFund grantees in the Women Deliver Conference held in Kigali in July.