AACC Male Champions for Gender Justice meet in Nairobi for Capacity Strengthening

The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) convened national coordinating teams of its male champions for gender justice from nine African countries for a capacity strengthening consultation on ending Sexual and Gender Bashed Violence in Africa. Opened on 16th June to run until 19th June 2025, the consultation focused on strengthening partnerships in promoting Gender Justice among the national male champions platforms, interrogate contemporary theologies on the role of men in fostering human dignity, and sharing best practices, innovative approaches and collaborative frameworks for driving social change and gender equality. Participants included faith leaders, gender experts, researchers and members of the AACC Advisory Group for Gender Work from Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Gabon, Guinea, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi and DRC.

While opening the consultation on behalf of the AACC General Secretary, the Director of Programs, Rev. Dr. Lesmore Ezekiel, appreciated the male champions for the transformative work they are doing in their communities, affirming their role as true disciples of Christ and agents of positive change in the world.

The AACC’s Programme Executive, Gender and Women, Ms. Faustina Nillan facilitated a conversation on the role of the work done by the male champions for Gender Justice in the realization of the Maputo Protocol, The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG), African Union Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Other facilitators included Dr Daniel Muvengi, a development expert who expounded seven central theological themes on gender justice. Namely, the image of God in humans, love and mutual respect, men as protectors and providers, spiritual leadership, fatherhood and mentorship, advocacy against stereotypes, and moral and ethical imperative to challenge injustices.

In her “Role of men and women in overcoming GBV in Africa” presentation, Angelina Cikanda, from CREAW urged participants to shun flawed masculinity.

As the meeting ended, participants adopting an activity plan to ensure continuous exchange of experiences, best practices and resources in their work for gender Justice and equality. 

In the photo: Consultation participants during one of the sessions. [Courtesy - Ms. Faustina Nillan]