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Dear Readers,

In this issue, you will read about the 3rd MenEngage Africa Symposium which held in Kigali, Rwanda from August 14th to 16th, 2023 on theme “Accountability and Transformation through Gender-Responsive Evidence-Based Programming” and an unwavering commitment to the fight for gender. equality. A diverse group of stakeholders came together to share best practices and perspectives on transforming harmful mindsets and patriarchal masculinity to advance gender equality.

Our participation in the Women Deliver Conference in Kigali, Rwanda in July, where we co-hosted a session on “Positive Masculinities in Gender Transformative #SRHR: Engaging Men and boys,” was a great example of how we can engage men and boys in promoting gender equality. It further emphasizes our commitment to engage. These events are essential to furthering our mission to improve and sustain sexual and reproductive health and gender equality.

Additionally, our partnerships with organizations like CEHURD to celebrate #MaputoAt20 highlight our commitment to promoting women's rights and gender equality. The discussions held in Uganda provided a platform for important dialogue about progress made to date and areas where we need to redouble our efforts.

Furthermore, we are proud to announce the successful Meaningful Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) Training hosted by Power to Youth in Uganda. This training, conducted by experienced facilitators from Sonke Gender Justice, aimed to enhance understanding and operationalization of MIYP, a crucial step in fostering youth engagement.

Lastly, we are excited to present the MenEngage Africa Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. This comprehensive plan outlines our roadmap to achieving gender equality and transformative change across Africa. We will focus on advocacy, accountability, and partnership, guided by feminist principles and a deep understanding of the regional context. Our aim is to turn the dream of gender equality into a tangible reality.

We’ve had a lot to report, from new symposia to reflections on major conferences. As we embark on this journey, I’d like to share with you some of the inspiring stories and initiatives we’ve seen along the way.

As you explore the content in this newsletter, I hope you find inspiration and motivation to join us in our mission to create a more equal and just Africa. Together, we can make a difference and continue to shape a better future for all. We hope you find this newsletter informative and inspiring. Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Jude Thaddues Njikem,
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice


** MENENGAGE NEWS & VIEWS
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** CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS
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** The third MenEngage Africa symposium sparks a renewed commitment to the fight for gender equality in Africa! ([link removed])
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MenEngage Africa, Sonke Gender Justice, and MenEngage Rwanda, and Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre-RWAMREC, hosted the third MenEngage Africa Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda from the 14th to 16th of August 2023, under the theme; “Accountability and Transformation through Gender-Equitable Evidence-Based Programming”.

The event brought together MenEngage Africa members and partners, academics, activists, donors, and representatives from the United Nations agencies to share diverse perspectives and best practices on transforming toxic mindsets and patriarchal masculinities, engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality.
Read More ([link removed])
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** CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS
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** Women Deliver Conference 2023 reflections ([link removed])
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Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa hosted a concurrent session and a solidarity space at the Women Deliver conference in Kigali, Rwanda in July. The concurrent session focused on Positive Masculinities in Gender Transformative #SRHR: Engaging Men and boys. The session explored, celebrated, and critiqued policy and program interventions from Eastern and Southern Africa that work to promote male engagement as an essential tool in improving and sustaining sexual and reproductive health and gender equality.
Read More ([link removed])
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** MenEngage Africa
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** Introducing the newly elected steering committee of MenEngage Africa Alliance! ([link removed])
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MenEngage Africa is pleased to introduce its new steering committee members. The new steering committee boasts a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including different ages, genders, sexual orientations, and professional experiences.

We are proud to have steering committee members who bring years of experience in addressing gender injustice and promoting positive masculinities. Their expertise and leadership skills will be invaluable in leading MenEngage Africa towards achieving its vision of a world where gender equality is a reality.
Read More ([link removed])


** News
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** CEHURD participated in the #MaputoAt20 Celebration
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CEHURD joined other civil society organizations and activists under the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights' umbrella to mark #MaputoAt20. They participated in the SOAWR Annual General Meeting, which brought together 81 organizations from across Africa, working to advance the implementation of the #MaputoProtocol. The meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, culminated in the SOAWR Gala and Dinner, where they engaged in crucial and in-depth discussions and initiatives, celebrating #MaputoAt20 and the incredible milestones achieved towards gender equality and women's empowerment, while highlighting the critical areas where countries have fallen short of the aspirations set forth in the protocol. The Protocol initially adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State on July 11, 2003, underscores the commitment of African leaders to safeguard, promote, and fulfil women's rights and was further reaffirmed in the Solemn Declaration of Heads of State and Government on Gender Equality in Africa, adopted
in July 2004.
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** News
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** Meaningful Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) Training in Uganda ([link removed])
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Power To Youth, recently hosted Meaningful Inclusive Youth Participation training from September 4th to September 8th, 2023. The training was conducted by two of Sonke Gender Justice’s experienced facilitators, Zaituni Nabateregga and Ontlametse Raleru. The training was designed as a capacity-building request from the Community Management Team ,to increase their understanding and operationalization of MIYP. All three CMT partners participated in the workshop, with each sending four representatives to ensure comprehensive representation.
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** We are pleased to present the MenEngage Africa Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2027. ([link removed])
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The MenEngage Africa (MEA) Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 presents a comprehensive and visionary roadmap towards the achievement of gender equality and transformative change across the African continent. Grounded in a rigorous analysis of the regional context and fortified by deep-rooted feminist principles, this strategy encompasses three core areas: Advocacy, Accountability, and Partnership. It is designed to address complex challenges, celebrate past successes, and foster a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.
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** CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS
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** Check out the declaration from the 3rd MenEngage Africa Symposium! ([link removed])
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You missed out on attending the 3rd MenEngage Africa Symposium? We got you. The declaration made in Kigali, Rwanda, on August 16, 2023, is now available online. The declaration also emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach to addressing gender inequality, including promoting women's economic empowerment, ending gender-based violence, addressing climate crisis and promoting gender-sensitive education and health systems. It also calls for greater collaboration and coordination between civil society organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to achieve these goals.
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** INTERESTING READS
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* Climate justice without gender justice? No chance! ([link removed])
* The Power of Options: Empowering Men and Boys in SRHR ([link removed])
* One step forward two steps backward…LGBTQI Rights in Africa ([link removed])

Visit MenEngage Africa's website for more social justice news and views ([link removed])

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