Regional Workshop in Nairobi to Tackle Gender-Based Violence and Promote Positive Masculinity
Over 120 representatives from Civil Society Organizations across Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mali, and South Africa are set to convene in Nairobi for a two-day Regional Workshop on Positive Masculinity and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The workshop, which will take place at Pride Inn Luxury Boutique in Westlands on April 22–23, 2025, will operate under the theme “Empowering Girls and Young Women for Transformative Leadership by Fighting GBV and Addressing Toxic Masculinity.”
The high-level event will be officially opened by Ms. Anne Wang’ombe, Permanent Secretary in the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
Other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include Dr. Mathew Owili, Deputy Governor of Kisumu County; Hon. Dr. Nancy Barasa, Chairperson of the Technical Working Group on GBV; Ms. Atonia N’Gabala-Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative; and Mr. Otim George, Country Director at Plan International Kenya.
The gathering will bring together youth advocates, policymakers, gender experts, and male allies from the region to critically examine the root causes of GBV and explore collective strategies for prevention and response.
Key highlights of the workshop include,Deconstructing toxic masculinity to foster gender-transformative change Strengthening leadership and advocacy skills among girls and young women,Promoting digital safety and addressing online child sexual exploitation.
Others include Advocating for the ratification and implementation of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG)Organized by ECPAT International and the Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children (KAACR), in collaboration with UN Women, Plan International, FEMNET, ACHJGA, and Equality Now, the event forms part of the broader She Leads Programme, which seeks to amplify the voices of girls and young women and drive systemic change across Africa.
The organizers call on stakeholders, the public, and media to join in this critical regional conversation aimed at advancing gender justice and ending GBV.
