We need to develop positive gender identity that enables full and free and empowered citizenship. We can do this through changes in social norms and behaviour.

There is wide acknowledgement and agreement that men and boys need to be partners in 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.

We are concerned that attempts to empowering women without including men in re-organising and re-engineering gender identity, can in fact entrench the cycle of inequality and domination.

To discredit and discard toxic masculinities, means that we need to have alternatives to consider and test out. Our programmes aim 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.