26th Feb 2015 In Kampala, Uganda, the government has become part of a new global movement named HeforShe, that encourages men and boys to support the cause of women’s empowerment and development. The Initiative is rapidly spreading around the world, with Uganda becoming another one of the countries picking up the mantle of gender balance and equality.
United Nations Women gender and humanitarian specialist, Claire Hawkins announced in Kampala that over one billion men and boys, including those in Uganda are to be mobilized in support of this brave initiative. She was addressing people who attended a joint strategy meeting of African and Japanese civil society for the preparation of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Uganda.
Hawkins is quoted as saying “A solidarity movement for gender equality initiated by UN Women to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights will be launched in Uganda.” Hawkins also noted that “Gender inequality is not only a women’s issue. Equality will benefit both women and men socially, politically and economically,”.
HeforShe operates under the guiding principle that gender equality is no longer a women only battle. As the website says, it is bringing one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all. The laudable and interesting project will be launched officially during the International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8.
Seems like a cool move. I mean, rather than making up wrong assumptions about each other, or confusing the term, women empowerment, we could pause the battle of the sexes and support each other.