Objectives | Partners | Messages | Target audience | Key activities | Outcomes | Media engagement | Hashtags | Call for action
The “I am a MAN and I” campaign is a joint initiative of the GBV cluster in the Voice and Choice Southern Africa Fund that will be amplified during the Sixteen Days of Activism 2023.
In a world striving for change and equality, it’s crucial to recognise that men play a vital role in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Men hold a critical role as allies, advocates, and change-makers in this fight for a safer society.
I am a man and I recognize my role in creating change: do you? GBV affects us all, and it’s our collective responsibility to address this pressing issue. By actively participating and being aware, men can contribute significantly to the prevention and eradication of GBV.
This campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and involve men in taking a stand against it. The content is structured to educate, engage, and encourage men to actively support survivors and contribute to creating a safer society. Subsequent content focuses on educating men about their role in ending GBV, understanding consent, intervening as bystanders, and questioning their own actions to prevent sexual assault.
The campaign concludes with a call to action, urging men to reflect on their behaviour and commitment to a violence-free society during the 16 Days of Activism. Throughout the campaign, the audience is encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and actions using the hashtag to foster community and collective action.
The “I am a MAN and I…” campaign aims not only to challenge societal norms but to create a space where men actively contribute to the fight against GBV. Through inclusive support and global collaboration, the team seeks to make a significant impact on the journey toward a world free from gender-based violence.
Objectives
- Amplification of Men’s voices: Challenge stereotypes and engage men in actively combating GBV.
- Inclusive support: Foster a space where all victims, regardless of gender, race, or classification, can access services and support.
- Global solidarity: Connect partners from over 10 countries virtually to emphasize the global importance of addressing GBV.
- On-Site Services: Provide practical, on-site services to survivors through various departments and civil society organisations.
Partners in the campaign include:
- Incema, (KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
- Kwanele Bringing Justice to Women (Western Cape)
- Life Savers Organization (Limpopo)
- Phola Psycho-social Organization (Gauteng)
- Unlimited Hope Alliance (Zimbabwe)
- ROOTS Africa (Zimbabwe)
- Matabeleland AIDS Council (Zimbabwe)
- Young Women Christian Association (Lesotho)
- Gender Links (South Africa)
- No longer being a bystander is essential. Men have the power to influence their peers, challenge harmful norms, and empower others to take a stand against GBV. Stand for unity, respect, equality, justice, and compassion. Advocate for equal rights and equal treatment for all genders. Call for change within your communities and circles.
- “I am a man, and I will help create a safer society.”
- “I am a Man. I Stand Against GBV.”
- “I am a man, I choose to intervene”
- “What to do when your friend makes a rape joke, etc.”
- Standing with survivors and showing support is fundamental. Men can foster an environment where survivors feel safe and supported, breaking the silence surrounding GBV. Choosing to intervene in situations that perpetuate violence is critical; by doing so, you become a part of the change we desperately need.
- “I am a man, and I stand with survivors”
- Gender-based violence is everyone’s issue. It’s time for men to be active participants in creating a safer society. By respecting consent, understanding boundaries, and envisioning safe spaces everywhere, men can actively work towards eradicating GBV. Let’s envision a world without violence, where schools, buses, homes, and workplaces are free from fear.
- “I am a man, and I understand consent”
- “Have you?” Asking harder questions to know if you have been part of the problem of Sexual Assault and to never do it again
- Men from diverse sectors.
- Survivors of GBV.
- Men in community leadership
- Stakeholders and partners in the fight against GBV.
- The campaign will be launched by Incema in Pietermaritzburg on 24 November, the eve of the Sixteen Days of Activism. The event will include a Multisectoral Men’s Forum to engage men from various sectors in discussions and actions against GBV. A peaceful walk will include a symbolic walk from the police station gate to the detectives’ hall, demonstrating solidarity. Formal Program: Messages from stakeholders, including partners from 10+ countries, emphasizing the importance of the campaign. On-site Services: Various departments and civil society organizations providing immediate services. Live streaming: The entire program will be live-streamed on social media platforms for global participation.
- On Friday 24 November, 1pm to 2pm, partners are invited for a briefing on Giving Tuesday. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gbMBM_k3
- On 27 November, Roots in Zimbabwe will host a twitter rally. The panel will consist of five men, from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Lesotho. The conversation will be recorded and shared on Twitter.Host Account- @roots_africa.
- On Giving Tuesday, 28 November, Kwanele will run a fund raising campaign and is offering support to all NGOs and CBOs in accessing this powerful online fund raising day and platform.
- On 11 December, at 13.00 -14.30 SATS, the Voice and Choice Fund will host a “Sixteen Days for Life” webinar to evaluate the outcomes of the 2023 campaign.
- Increased Awareness and Behavioural Change: Generate awareness about the role of men in combating GBV.
- Practical Support: Provide tangible support to survivors through on-site services.
- Global Collaboration: Establish connections and collaboration with partners globally to address GBV collectively.
Engage media houses for comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the campaign’s message reaches a broader audience.
- Ongoing engagement and interaction with the audience throughout the campaign, encouraging them to share their stories, thoughts, and actions using the campaign hashtag.
- Regularly scheduled posts, updates, and reminders about the campaign’s goals, upcoming events, and important statistics related to GBV
| General #MenofQualityNotAfraidofEquality #PeaceBeginsAtHome #Men4Change #PreventGBV #365DaysofActivism #Boyservation #SRHR4ALL #BreakTheCycle #EqualityForAll #enoughisenoughalready Campaign Specific: |
General Campaign Engagement: #StandAgainstGBV #SupportSurvivors #ChooseToIntervene #ConsentMatters Promoting Positive Behavior: Campaign Period: |
Join us in this vital campaign, a collective effort with 7 incredible anti-GBV organizations. Together, we are including men in the conversation and educating them on their pivotal role in eradicating GBV, promoting understanding of consent, and fostering bystander intervention skills. Every voice matters, every action counts. Let’s stand united, and together, declare that we’ve had enough. Knowledge is power, and by empowering individuals, we are unlocking the potential to reshape societal norms. Our campaign calls for introspection and a resolute commitment to a violence-free society. Phola, one of the seven partners, is inviting organisations to share Sixteen Messages. Add your Sixteen Days messages in the comment box. They will be published after being checked for authenticity.