As part of the Sonke and MenEngage Africa policy report series, policy reports for Kenya, Rwanda and Sierra Leone have now been completed; and form part of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women project.

These policy reports assess the extent to which HIV, gender-based violcence, sexual and reproductive health and parenting policies contain language that promotes the proactive engagement of men and boys for achieving gender equality.  They were designed as policy advocacy and programming tools, to strengthen a focus on engaging men for gender equality within national laws and policies.  Their key audiences are national and regional civil society, policymakers and decision-makers.

» Visit the Policy Reports page

» Download: Prioritising the Engagement of Men within Policy for Gender Equality

HOPEM, the Men for Change Network in Mozambique, has published their May 2013 newsletter. It details the most recent news and activities in Mozambique, raising awareness of men around issues of gender and masculinities.

Click the image below to read the full-size version.

In June 2012 the National Assembly in Nicaragua passed new legislation on Violence Against Women.  Known as Law 779, it has an integral approach that seeks to protect women from men’s violence, guarantee the provision of quality services, prevent gender based violence and punish perpetrators. The law typifies “femicide” as a specific crime and prohibits mediation in the case of violent cries committed against women.

» Download the full REDMAS Statement

The UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women has released its Global Annual Report for 2012. Page 11 highlights Sonke's work in an interview with David Tamba of the Men's Association for Gender Equality, Sierra Leone. The report gives valuable insight on the work of UNTF grantees worldwide and provides ideas on innovative interventions being implemented.

» Download the UNTF Global Annual Report 2012 (PDF, 3.4 Mb)

The Equal Community Foundation has released a report entitled "What about the Boys? Raising Men to End Violence Against Women." The report begins by asking, "How can every young man and boy in India be given the opportunity to reflect on and practise gender-equitable behaviour?”

» Download: What About The Boys - Raising Men to End Violence Against Women

This week, three MenEngage-UNFPA Advocacy Briefs were launched at CSW. Check them out to learn more on the status of each topic in the field.

1. Sexual Violence in Conflict and Post-Conflict: Engaging Men and Boys 
2. Engaging Men, Changing Gender Norms: Directions for Gender-Transformative Action 
3. Sports and the Making of Men: Transforming Gender Norms on the Playing Field

Also launched this week, the "MenEngage 10 Point Call for Action" outlines 10 concrete steps that the UN and national governments can and should take immediately to engage men and boys in preventing violence against women.