Men should be women empowerment agents, says feminist Ndagijimana

25-year-old Anastase Ndagijimana is a proud feminist who strives to improve gender and social inclusion through the fight against gender-based violence. Through his organisation, We Got Your Back, he works to create a society free from gender-based violence through the ‘boys and men engage’ approach. He had a chat with People’s Donah Mbabazi; below are the excerpts: Tell us about your organisation. ‘We Got Your Back’ is an organisation that works to support the fight against gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies, in particular, through the ‘men and boys engage’ approach. We mainly target men and women as well, where we teach them about the importance of gender equality and how to fight vices such as gender-based violence. This is done to build a fair and just community that is inclusive for all. Why did you come up with this initiative? After understanding how detrimental gender-based violence can be to our society, I knew I had to do something to help the next generation to better understand what everyone is supposed to do for our society — to be inclusive and avail equal rights for all (men and women). My intention is to change the narrative of toxic masculinity, a factor that is still fuelling gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies. As a man, why did you decide to fight for women’s rights? As a man, I decided to fight for women because I understand what human rights are. I have also had female relatives who have endured the wrath of violence, and I believe it is my duty to not only stand up for them, but other women as well. What do you think is still holding back the fight for women empowerment? We should take a closer look at our culture, traditional beliefs, stereotypes and other social factors. These seem to be the biggest barriers for women empowerment. Whether it is the choice to marry or choosing a certain career, there is always a factor that seeks to hold them back. Do you identify as a feminist? Yes, I am a very proud feminist. For me, being a feminist means fighting for the equality of all people. I see feminism as an aspect that should not exclude people based on their gender, race, socioeconomic status, ability, or sexual orientation. What do you do on a daily basis to advance gender equality? Accepting diversities and teaching all people about personal differences and recognising their rights should be a priority for all of us. Having this in mind, I believe it is up to me to influence others to understand that the fight for equality is for us, and up to all of us. I first of all encourage women to outspokenly express their powers and prove to society that they are able. I also remind my fellow men to be accountable and take a stand for women empowerment through conversations, workshops and different platforms. How do we engage men in the conversation about equality? They should be put at the centre of this fight. This is what I do with my initiative, I encourage them to act as women empowerment agents. This position enables them to build the right attitude. With my organisation, I engage men and boys in these conversations as I take them to the level of understanding and valuing women’s points of view. What’s the best advice you would give another man in terms of fighting for equality? The best advice I would give to men in general is to understand that we are all created equal. A real man/boy shouldn’t have that complex of superiority to express power over a woman/girl because women and girls have great roles and contribute greatly to social and economic development. They should treat them as they treat themselves.

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Men should be women empowerment agents, says feminist Ndagijimana