Australian High Commissioner Promotes Positive Masculinity in Ghana
Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, has called on Ghanaian men to lead the charge against harmful gender norms, emphasizing that positive masculinity is a crucial tool in ending violence against women and girls.
Ms. Owen-Jones delivered this message at the National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The conference marked the conclusion of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The High Commissioner advocated for a unified, national movement of men championing respect, empathy, and equality. She explained that tackling violence against women and girls requires a transformation in the norms that dictate how boys and men perceive power and responsibility.
Describing gender-based violence as preventable rather than inevitable, Ms. Owen-Jones stated that societies must actively work to change harmful attitudes. “Men are not the problem. Harmful gender norms are,” she said, further adding that boys and men are “essential partners in the solution.”
The conference brought together a diverse group, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society representatives, and male advocates from across Ghana. It served as the culminating event for the global 16 Days of Activism.
Ms. Owen-Jones also highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms on young boys, sometimes surpassing that of their parents or guardians. She cautioned that the increasing number of online personalities promoting misogyny poses a threat to the progress made towards gender equality.
She pointed to the example of Australian sports leagues, which now provide training to athletes on how to publicly advocate for respectful behaviour, stressing the power of role models. “When men with influence challenge harmful norms, boys listen, and communities listen,” she stated, urging Ghanaian icons – footballers, musicians, actors, chiefs, and clergy – to unite and deliver a similar message.
Among her suggestions were empowering fathers to be more involved and nurturing, integrating respect and equality education into schools and youth programs, encouraging male political leaders to prioritize gender equality, and establishing community spaces where boys can openly discuss issues of pressure, identity, and relationships.
“Real strength is not domination. It is self-control, compassion and accountability,” the High Commissioner emphasized. She also encouraged Ghana to explore peer support networks, such as “Male Champions for Gender Equality,” to foster ongoing learning and support among men.
Ms. Owen-Jones commended the Gender Ministry for organizing the conference and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working with Ghana to prevent gender-based violence. “At stake is a future where girls grow up free from fear, and boys grow up free from harmful expectations,” she concluded.
The conference concluded with renewed pledges for collaborative efforts from families, traditional authorities, policymakers, and the media towards redefining masculinity and creating safer, more equitable communities for all.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
