From 27 to 28 November 2023, ACCORD participated in the 3rd African Union (AU) Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Leadership to End Violence Against Women and Girls. The event, which took place in Pretoria, South Africa was co-hosted by the President of the Union of Comoros, and 2023 AU Chairperson, H.E. Azali Assoumani and the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
In addition to the hosts, the event featured contributions from H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and a virtual presentation from H.E. President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Former President of the Republic of Liberia and patron of the African Women Leaders Network, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, attended both days of the conference and made significant contributions. There were also virtual contributions from H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of the Republic of Mauritius, and H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic. The proceedings were attended by several ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, civil society representatives, private sector representatives, youth and women leaders, and academics. The immense cross-sectoral presence at the conference demonstrates the buy-in and importance of combating violence against women and girls.
The discussion focused on the role men play in dismantling the patriarchal systems that enable gender-based violence. Focus was given to the ways in which promoting positive masculinity, defined as demonstrating qualities of respect, emotional intelligence and non-violence, could play in reshaping our societies for the better. It was also stressed that men, as the primary perpetrators of violence against women and girls, need to hold themselves and each other accountable for ending this harmful social phenomenon. This was well emphasised by H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who stated that this was part of men’s social duty and that while they should be supported in this, they should not be congratulated, as one would not ‘praise a fish for swimming’.
ACCORD’s participation in this event follows its contributions to the consultation process which preceded this conference. ACCORD is committed to helping combat violence against women and girls as well as enhancing the role of women in resolving complex conflicts.
