MEN FOR GENDER EQUALITY NOW


 

MEGEN is one organization that leaves many people with millions and millions of questions. What is it all about? Is it really necessary in Kenya as an African country? Who formed it? Was it formed by men who were victims of gender based violence? What triggered its formation and more endless questions,..
Men for Gender Equality Now ( MEGEN) was started by the African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) in December 2001. This was a way of reaching out to men and involving them in the fight against Gender Based violence. Since its formation, it has reached out to thousands of men and women in Kenya assisting them to understand the importance of ending gender based violence and realizing gender equality. In 2005, MEGEN was registered as an independent organization and in 2009, it established itself as an autonomous organization. Its main goal is 'to create a critical mass of Kenyan men and women who are able to influence community, organizations and the public to embrace gender equality as a norm.'

Most are the times when people roll down in laughter when they hear of a battered man especially by a woman. But its real. They view him as a coward, so weak and good-for nothing creature who can not stand on his grounds and fight for himself. In fact the community is so good at criticizing such people with words like, anjifanya mwanaume na vile hunyoroshwa na bibiye (he pretends to be a man and yet he is usually battered by his wife)

In our traditional society and culture, men are not supposed to speak up or cry in case of violence because they fear been seen as cowards. However, this stereotyping has seen many men undergo extreme brutality from their spouses. Male battering is on the rise especially in urban areas. According to a report by Inter Press Service at least five men are battered every week. It is through Rapid Response Team of the Organization that works on rescue and effective referral system for the victims of gender based violence.

 So it is such a time, men undergoing such violence should report to the organization for some help.





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