Toxic masculinity. Transformative masculinity. Positive masculinity. In South Africa, there is increasing agreement that that men and boys need to lead initiatives for change to eliminate GBV and hold each other accountable.

“There is a clarion call to address toxic masculinity in many African countries, with the South African government and civil society amplifying this. Asante Gender Action is stepping up to answer this call,” said Thuks Khanyile, Programme Director.

It has been seen that attempts to empowering women in an ‘isolated’ way without including men in re-organising and re-engineering gender identity, can in fact entrench the cycle of inequality and domination. Further, to discredit and discard toxic masculinities, means that we need to have alternatives to consider and test out. Otherwise there is a vacuum which is not conducive to behaviour change.

There is a need to co-create new norms, new identities and forge relationships based on human dignity. We need new ways and innovation to shape a future of positive gender identity, equality for all, equity and freedom and safety.

“Young men need to drive a new masculinity, a positive masculinity that contributes overall to positive gender identity and gender justice. GBV is not a women’s problem. It is a problem of men perpetrating a war on women and children in our country. We believe that boys and young men are the ones to turn the tide,” commented Thuks.