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Gender equality in Tanzania: focusing on the men

Published 9/8/2011 | Updated 4/12/2012

This week RFSU launches a new project in Tanzania – and this time it is men who are the focus of the gender equality work.

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Åsa Regnér

RFSU’s Secretary General Åsa Regnér is on location in Dar es Salaam to participate in the inauguration of the new campaign. She reports a genuine commitment from the Swedish Embassy via the Sida funded project.

Why is it important to focus on men?

– Of course it's important to listen to women's voices, but they alone cannot be responsible for the change. If you really want to improve women's situation, you have to work with men, for example, through education about issues of male responsibility.

What reactions have you received in Tanzania so far?

– Many people say "Finally! It is time for a new approach”. The Tanzanian Minister for Gender Equality was here for the inauguration and the media interest has been strong down here.

What results do you hope for?

– That people should have more power over their lives and their bodies. We hope to be able to demonstrate a range of pragmatic health outcomes: fewer unwanted pregnancies, a reduction in female genital mutilation, and that more people get tested.

What have you learned from previous similar projects?

– We are confident in that we know that the model works. This time we will be even more meticulous in measuring how women's lives are improved by the work.

Text: Rasmus Malm
Translation: Elisabeth Swayze

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RESPOSIBILITY NOT BLAME
I wish to congratulate you on your use of this approach to reach men.......and to involve them in taking sexual and reproductive responsibility.

Said: Thuku wa Njuguna 11/14/2011 7:00:47 PM

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