The Role of Men in Combating Gender-Based Violence in Eswatini

Let's be honest, gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious issue worldwide, and Eswatini is no exception. While women often lead the charge in fighting GBV, men have a crucial role to play too. By challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and advocating for change, men can help create a safer and more fair society. 

Understanding the Root Causes of GBV

First, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. GBV often stems from deeply ingrained gender norms and power imbalances that give men an unfair advantage over women. In many cultures, including Eswatini, traditional beliefs and practices reinforce these dynamics, making it hard to change things.

Men who engage in GBV often do so because they’ve internalized these harmful norms and feel entitled to exert power over women. So, tackling GBV means not only supporting survivors but also transforming the cultural and social structures that sustain violence. And men have a critical role to play in this transformation.

Challenging Harmful Masculinity Norms

One effective way men can combat GBV is by challenging harmful masculinity norms. Traditional notions of masculinity often link being a man with dominance, aggression, and control. These norms don’t just contribute to GBV; they also harm men by restricting their emotional expression and relationships.

Men in Eswatini can work to redefine masculinity to promote respect, equality, and non-violence. This means rejecting behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate GBV and instead embracing values like empathy, compassion, and cooperation. Educational programs and community dialogues can help by giving men the tools and support they need to challenge harmful norms and behaviors.

Supporting Survivors and Promoting Accountability

Men can also play a crucial role in supporting survivors of GBV and promoting accountability for perpetrators. This involves believing survivors, offering emotional support, and helping them access resources like counseling, legal assistance, and safe shelters.

Additionally, men can advocate for stronger legal frameworks and policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. In Eswatini, the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act is a significant step in this direction. Men can support this law’s effective enforcement by raising awareness about its provisions, reporting incidents of GBV, and holding authorities accountable for their responses to cases of violence.

Calling Out Harmful Behavior Among Friends

A big part of ending GBV is changing the culture that allows it to happen. Men can play a key role by calling out harmful behavior among their friends. If you hear a friend making a sexist joke, belittling women, or talking about violence, speak up. It might be uncomfortable, but these conversations are essential. By challenging these behaviors in your social circles, you help create an environment where GBV is not tolerated.

Seeking Counseling and Support

It’s also crucial for men to seek help if they feel overwhelmed or stressed. Too often, men bottle up their emotions, leading to outbursts that can harm their partners and families. Counseling can provide a healthy outlet for these feelings and offer strategies for managing stress. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help. Addressing mental health issues can prevent situations where frustration or anger might lead to violence.

Engaging Men and Boys as Allies

Getting men and boys involved as allies in the fight against GBV is essential for lasting change. Programs that involve men and boys in discussions about gender equality and violence prevention can help shift attitudes and behaviors from a young age. Schools, sports clubs, and community organizations are great platforms for these initiatives.

Mentorship programs can be especially effective. By pairing young boys with positive male role models, these programs can promote healthy relationships, respect for women, and non-violent conflict resolution. Men who serve as mentors can help break the cycle of violence by teaching boys the importance of equality and respect in all their interactions.

Promoting Gender Equality at Home and Work

Gender equality starts at home, and men have a significant role in fostering equitable relationships within their families. This involves sharing household responsibilities, making joint decisions with their partners, and treating women and girls with respect. By modeling gender equality in their own lives, men can influence the attitudes and behaviors of their children and other family members.

In the workplace, men can promote gender equality by advocating for policies and practices that support women’s participation and advancement. This includes addressing issues like pay equity, parental leave, and sexual harassment. Men in leadership positions have a particular responsibility to create inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive.

Using Influence and Platforms to Advocate for Change

Men who hold positions of influence, whether in politics, business, or the media, have a powerful platform to advocate for change. By speaking out against GBV and promoting gender equality, these men can raise awareness and mobilize support for efforts to combat violence. This public advocacy can help shift societal norms and encourage others to take action.

In Eswatini, high-profile male leaders and celebrities have a unique opportunity to lead by example. By using their platforms to challenge GBV and support women’s rights, they can inspire others to join the movement for gender equality. Their involvement can also lend credibility and visibility to initiatives aimed at preventing violence and supporting survivors.

Building Partnerships with Women-Led Organizations

Collaboration between men and women is essential for effectively combating GBV. Men can support and amplify the efforts of women-led organizations by partnering with them on initiatives, providing resources, and advocating for their causes. This collaborative approach ensures that efforts to combat GBV are comprehensive and inclusive.

In Eswatini, organizations like Liguma Letfu are leading the charge in empowering women and combating GBV. Men can contribute to these efforts by participating in programs, volunteering their time and skills, and promoting the organization’s work. By standing in solidarity with women, men can help build a united front against GBV.