In Bunia, fifty young leaders from Ituri took part on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in an awareness-raising workshop on the National Positive Masculinity Day. Organized by the Positive Masculinity Mixed Technical Unit (CTM+) with the support of MONUSCO’s Gender Affairs Section and several partners, the activity aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of and commitment to positive masculinity as a tool for preventing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
Established in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and celebrated every year on 31 March, National Positive Masculinity Day seeks to encourage men and boys to become agents of change by challenging social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and violence against women and girls.
“We want young people to take ownership of the issue of positive masculinity. It is important that they understand the values of equity and equality from an early age so that they can grow up with these principles and apply them in their daily lives,” explained Ange Kasongiya, Provincial Coordinator of the Positive Masculinity Mixed Technical Unit (CTM+) in Ituri.
During the workshop, participants were sensitized to the benefits of positive masculinity, the harmful consequences of toxic masculinities, and the impact of sexist stereotypes and unequal power relations on the lives of women, families, and communities. Discussions also highlighted the critical role that men and boys can play in preventing gender-based violence, supporting women’s leadership, and promoting a more inclusive society.
Speakers emphasized that positive masculinity is not about creating opposition between women and men, but rather about fostering relationships based on mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and recognition of each person’s potential. This approach not only contributes to reducing violence against women and girls but also strengthens social cohesion, economic development, and participation in peacebuilding efforts.
Being a man is not necessarily defined by strength or domination. Being a man means respecting others and considering women as equals. For a society to develop, men and women must move forward together, like the two wings of a bird that enable it to fly,
The workshop builds on awareness-raising activities conducted earlier this year in Mahagi Territory with MONUSCO’s support. Five youngparticipants connected from Mahagi Territory, took part in those initial sessions joined the discussions remotely to share their experiences and the positive changes they have observed in their daily lives.
For many participants, the knowledge gained during the workshop represents an opportunity to contribute to lasting change within their communities.
“Our community is still affected by toxic masculinity, which remains an obstacle to development. We must treat women as our equals. The knowledge acquired today will be shared with other men to help drive change,” said Jacques Morizani, a community leader and participant in the workshop.
Through this initiative, the organizers hope to encourage the emergence of a new generation of men and young boys committed to gender equality, respect for women’s rights, and the fight against gender-based violence.
By supporting this activity, MONUSCO reaffirms its commitment to working alongside Congolese authorities, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote gender equality, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which recognizes the essential role of women’s inclusion in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
Didier Vignon Dossou-Gbakon
