Why Africa’s fight against violence against women may depend on engaging boys and men as allies
STAFF REPORTER
A teenage boy sits alone scrolling through his phone.
Between football highlights, music videos and comedy clips, he encounters something else. A social media influencer tells him that real men should dominate women. Another dismisses gender equality as a threat to masculinity. A third mocks empathy and respect as signs of weakness.
Within minutes, thousands of young people have watched, liked and shared the content.
For many, it is simply another video.
For others, it may help shape how they understand relationships, power and what it means to be a man.
Across Africa and around the world, concerns are growing about the rise of online misogyny and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. Increasingly, experts argue that tackling the problem requires more than protecting survivors and prosecuting perpetrators.
It requires engaging men and boys themselves.
That is the central message of a recent UN Women report, Engaging Men, Ending Violence: Pathways to Safer Digital Futures, which examines how harmful gender norms are spreading online and why men must become part of the solution.
“Digital spaces have become a critical arena where harmful gender norms can be reinforced, challenged or transformed,” the report notes.
“Engaging men and boys is essential to preventing technology-facilitated violence against women and girls.”
The report arrives at a time when African countries are grappling with rising levels of online abuse, cyber harassment and gender-based violence, particularly among young people whose lives are increasingly shaped by digital platforms.
Beyond punishment
For decades, efforts to combat violence against women have rightly focused on supporting survivors, strengthening legal protections and expanding access to justice.
These measures remain essential.
Yet researchers increasingly recognise that prevention must become an equal priority.
The report argues that violence against women is not inevitable. Rather, it is driven by attitudes, behaviours and social norms that can be challenged and changed.
“Violence against women and girls is rooted in unequal power relations and harmful social norms,” the report states.
“Addressing these underlying causes requires engaging men and boys as allies in prevention efforts.”
This marks an important shift in thinking.
Instead of viewing men solely as potential perpetrators, many programmes now seek to engage them as partners in building safer communities.
The goal is not to blame all men for violence committed by some men.
The goal is to create environments where respect, equality and non-violence become the norm.
Redefining masculinity
Across Africa, governments, civil society organisations and development partners are increasingly investing in programmes that promote what experts call “positive masculinity”.
The concept challenges traditional ideas that equate manhood with dominance, control or aggression.
Instead, it encourages boys and men to embrace values such as empathy, accountability, shared responsibility and respect.
“Positive masculinities promote respect, equality, empathy and non-violence,” the report explains.
“They encourage men and boys to challenge harmful stereotypes and contribute to healthier relationships and communities.”
This approach is already showing results.
Across several African countries, initiatives are working with fathers, community leaders, teachers, faith leaders and young men to challenge harmful attitudes and promote healthier models of masculinity.
Many programmes focus on encouraging men to become more involved in childcare, household responsibilities and community leadership while promoting respectful relationships with women and girls.
These efforts recognise a simple reality: social norms are not fixed.
They can evolve.
The digital battleground
The urgency of the conversation has increased because much of it is now taking place online.
Social media platforms have become powerful spaces where young people learn about relationships, identity and gender roles.
While technology has created opportunities for education and connection, it has also enabled new forms of abuse.
The report warns that harmful online content often translates into real-world consequences.
“Technology-facilitated violence does not remain online,” it states.
“Its impacts can affect women’s participation in education, employment, leadership and public life.”
Women journalists, activists, politicians and public figures are often among those most heavily targeted.
The consequences can include intimidation, psychological trauma and withdrawal from public engagement.
In this way, online violence becomes more than a digital issue.
It becomes a development issue.
When women are pushed out of public spaces, communities lose voices, perspectives and leadership that are essential for inclusive development.
Why this matters for Africa
The stakes are particularly high for Africa.
With more than 60 per cent of the continent’s population under the age of 25, today’s young people will shape tomorrow’s societies.
The values they adopt now will influence future workplaces, families, institutions and governments.
The report argues that engaging boys early is one of the most effective ways to prevent violence before it occurs.
“Working with boys and young men provides opportunities to challenge harmful attitudes before they become entrenched.”
“Prevention efforts are most effective when they start early and are sustained over time.”
This is not simply a gender issue.
Violence against women carries significant economic and social costs. It affects health systems, educational outcomes, labour productivity and community wellbeing.
Creating safer and more equitable societies therefore benefits everyone.
A shared responsibility
The report’s message is ultimately one of hope.
Violence is not inevitable.
Attitudes can change.
Social norms can evolve.
Communities can redefine what leadership, respect and manhood mean.
Governments have a role to play. So do schools, parents, faith leaders, media organisations and technology companies.
But the report suggests that one of the most important voices in this conversation may be that of men themselves.
“Men and boys can become powerful advocates for gender equality and the prevention of violence.”
“When engaged as allies, they help create safer, more inclusive and more equitable societies.”
