Positive Masculinity in Focus: President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses the 3rd African Union Men’s Conference

Pretoria, South Africa – November 28, 2023

In a powerful address at the 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the pivotal role of men and boys in eradicating gender-based violence. The conference, coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, aims to shift societal norms and redefine expectations placed on men.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for men to engage in critical conversations challenging assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism, and sexism. Recognizing men as both perpetrators and agents of change, he stressed the urgency of preventing all forms of violence against women and girls.

The conference focuses on promoting positive masculinity, encouraging men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and respect for diversity. President Ramaphosa shared insights from the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba, where young changemakers expressed their desire to be part of the solution rather than viewed as the problem.

South Africa, with various initiatives and programs fostering positive masculinity, serves as a model. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of an all-of-society approach, involving business, labor, government, and civil society to create a common vision and roadmap for change.

Noteworthy achievements include the establishment of the AU Circle of Champions and ongoing efforts towards an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls. President Ramaphosa called for renewed support for the AU Commission and emphasized the importance of accountability through monitoring progress.

The President urged addressing structural inequalities, broadening women’s access to resources, jobs, and opportunities, and implementing laws and policies for women’s economic empowerment. He called on participants to be creative, innovative, and resolute in designing initiatives that involve men and boys in ending gender-based violence.

In closing, President Ramaphosa stressed that positive masculinity must be harnessed as a powerful force for good. Ending violence against women and girls, he emphasized, is a collective responsibility, with men having an even greater onus. The President called for building on the gains of previous conferences to affirm the human dignity, equality, and worth of every African woman and girl.

As the conference progresses, participants are poised to share best practices and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative effort to make the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a reality in Africa.