The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has convened a National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity aimed at addressing and preventing violence against women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the Australian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Ms. Bernice Owen-Jones, emphasized that violence is not inevitable—it can be prevented by transforming the attitudes and norms that normalize inequality in schools, workplaces, communities, and online spaces.
Ambassador Owen-Jones highlighted Australia’s national approach to positive masculinity, which promotes healthy, respectful models of manhood. She stressed that true strength lies not in dominance but in emotional openness, accountability, respect, and partnership. According to her, these values help create environments where women and girls are safe, and boys and men thrive without harmful expectations.
Drawing parallels with Ghana, the Ambassador noted that the country already has powerful cultural and community structures that can drive this change. Influential figures—such as chief elders, footballers, musicians, actors, religious leaders, and other public personalities—can use their voices to champion positive masculinity and shift social norms toward empathy and respect.
Key strategies highlighted during the conference include:
- Empowering Fathers to be nurturing, emotionally present, and involved in their children’s lives
- Training Boys in schools and clubs to practice empathy, respect, and self-control
- Community Leadership, where chiefs and religious leaders openly speak against all forms of violence
- Male Champions, creating peer networks for men to share experiences, support one another, and model positive behaviors
The overarching vision is a future where girls grow up free from fear and boys grow up free from harmful social pressures—a society rooted in respect, empathy, and accountability.
The Ambassador also applauded the African Union’s Positive Masculinity Initiative, which mobilizes men and boys across the continent to actively promote gender equality and help end violence against women and girls. She reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Ghana and the region in building safer, more inclusive communities.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (+233247220948)
