In a recent dialogue on male engagement with stakeholders at Makerere University, a participant welcomed the renewed focus on boys and men, noting that gender equality efforts have long centered on girls and women. While this sentiment drew applause, women’s rights advocates in the room reminded everyone of a critical truth: championing the rights of women and girls remains as urgent as ever. The moment exposed a common misunderstanding that pits male engagement against women’s empowerment, as though the two are mutually exclusive. In reality, they are not opposing forces, but complementary pathways toward lasting gender justice.
The landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD recognised this. It reframed male engagement not as an optional add-on, but as a strategic pillar in advancing gender equity. The conference called for men to not only increase their uptake of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services but also take active roles in challenging gender inequalities. This shift came after a hard realisation: despite decades of interventions, the uptake of SRHR services remained low, and efforts to curb violence against women were falling short, mainly due to the lack of meaningful male involvement.
Uganda has made some strides to align with ICPD Programme of Action. The government adopted the National Male Involvement Strategy for the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (2017) and later, the National Strategy for Male Involvement in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (2019). Both strategies introduced some gender-transformative concepts aimed at shifting deep-rooted patriarchal norms. However, their implementation has been limited, leaving a gap between policy and practice.
This gap reflects systemic gender inequality in Uganda that grants men disproportionate power in households, especially in rural areas. As primary decision-makers and providers, men heavily influence women’s access to healthcare and education. Women often need their partner’s consent for contraceptives or clinic visits, reflecting enduring patriarchal norms. Engaging men can improve health outcomes, but true progress demands systemic change. We must dismantle unequal power structures and ensure women have equal authority in decision-making to build an equitable society.
Men’s involvement contributes to reduced intimate partner violence, improved maternal and child health, and more equitable relationships. These outcomes directly align with the goals of the women’s rights movement. Involving men does not dilute the fight for women’s rights, it strengthens it. Moreover, it redistributes the responsibility for gender justice beyond women’s movements to include governments, institutions, and communities.
Critics raise valid concerns: that male engagement might divert attention or resources from women-led initiatives, or worse, reinforce harmful stereotypes under the guise of inclusion. These are not baseless fears. However, they are not reasons to abandon the strategy. They are signals to improve its implementation. Male engagement must be deliberate, principled, and rooted in feminist values. It should never be a platform for recentralising male dominance, but rather, a vehicle for dismantling it.
To realise its full potential, Uganda must invest in better tools, training, and accountability mechanisms that ensure male engagement contributes meaningfully to the broader goal of gender justice. Done right, engaging men and boys is not a misstep—it is a necessary step in the long walk toward equality.
By Titus Asiimwe
Legal Manager, Women’s Probono Initiative
For more information about our work reach us on info@womenprobono.org or call 0800-220645
