Ending Gender Based Violence (GBV)

To end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women aspirants, we must shift the perspective of men and boys from bystanders to active defenders of democracy. Political violence is not just a "women's issue"—it is a corruption of the electoral process that diminishes the quality of leadership for everyone.

Equipping men and boys as allies requires a deliberate, three-pronged strategy:

1. Deconstructing "Political Masculinity"

Too often, political strength is equated with aggression and the suppression of rivals through intimidation. Training programs for men should challenge these harmful norms, promoting a "mindful masculinity" that values debate, emotional intelligence, and respect. By engaging young boys in schools and youth groups, we can instill the idea that a "real leader" protects the rights of all candidates to compete safely, regardless of gender.

2. The Power of the Active Bystander

Men hold significant influence within male-dominated political circles. Training must equip them with "intervener" skills—teaching them how to:

• Call out misogynistic rhetoric: Disrupting "locker room" talk or disparaging social media posts that target a woman’s personal life rather than her policies.

• Report physical or digital threats: Using their positions within party structures to demand accountability and zero-tolerance policies for violence.

3. Mentorship and Allyship

Men in leadership positions—incumbents, community elders, and party officials—must move beyond passive support. True allyship involves sharing platforms, providing security, and publicly endorsing the competence of women aspirants. When boys see men they respect advocating for women’s leadership, it reshapes their own understanding of power.

By involving men and boys, we don't just protect women candidates; we build a "Beloved Community" where the "arc of the moral universe" is bent toward a future where every voice is heard and every candidate is safe