Christen Price, Congo Initiative-USA board member, recently shared with me the Jack Katz TED Talk, “Violence Against Women: It’s a Men’s Issue.” Watching this TED Talk was timely, as Impact Now and the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) are developing the curriculum for NYOTA Women’s Leadership Program. The women who have guided us in developing the program have made clear that an overarching (or underpinning?) matter affecting their efficacy as leaders is the role that gender dynamics plays in the workplace, at home, and in the community. And while Jack Katz references violence against women in the title of his talk, his message is broader.
Language affects perspective.
Jack Katz challenges his audience to reconsider how we frame women’s issues. He argues that labeling men’s assaults on women—whether physical, emotional, or professional—as women’s issues excludes men from responsibility for those injustices. It also excuses men from taking responsibility for the solutions. Katz also notes that we have commingled women’s issues and gender issues so that references to gender issues translates in peoples’ minds to womens’ issues.
And yet, gender issues affect all genders. And all genders (male included) are responsible to contribute to solutions. Gender-based violence, gender parity, gender equity are not women’s issues. They are men’s issues. They are society’s issues. Words matter.
Violence against women affects young men and boys.
Jack Katz emphasizes that rethinking gender roles and addressing violence against women is important for boys and young men. He argues that the traditional norms of masculinity confine young males into rigid roles that discourage emotional expression and foster aggressive behaviors.
When we involve boys and young men in the conversation about gender equality and violence prevention, we equip them with tools to develop healthier relationships with each other and across gender identities. Katz argues that if society encouraged men and boys to express emotions and behaviors that traditional norms stifle, we would promote their well-being and reduce violence. We would break cycles of violence and build more empathic and equitable communities.
Among the many strengths that UCBC brings to the NYOTA program is its experience facilitating the Positive Masculinity Conferences.
Stand up and speak up.
Katz reminds his audience to stand up and speak up when they witness acts of gender violence or discrimination, or hear sexist remarks and jokes. Katz challenges men to take a stand regardless of peer pressure to “go along” with the joke or ignore the demeaning comment. And when it comes to policy matters regarding gender parity, sometimes men are the only ones whose voices will be heard. So it’s particularly important for men to speak up and stand up.
Women attending NYOTA have said they want to develop confidence and capacity to speak up and speak out for themselves, for other women, and for girls. They want to be courageous and skillful to advocate for equality and opportunity. In response to this request, the NYOTA program includes an entire section on communication and advocacy.
Leadership matters.
Katz’s closing comments focus on leadership and the leader’s responsibility to assure gender equality and safety in their organizations. Leaders influence organizational and community culture. Leaders are the examples that others follow. When leaders allow or ignore abuse, they condone it. Consequently, we must hold our leaders accountable to create and maintain safe spaces for everyone, regardless of their gender.
NYOTA is challenging cultural norms. It promotes women leaders. It helps them to develop skills, networks, and supports. On its own, NYOTA cannot reshape culture. We do expect the program to spark conversations to promote change in the community.
Conclusion
NYOTA has already opened up conversations among the planning team members and UCBC staff members. We are eager to see how the program expands those conversations so Beni’s female leaders can shine and guide their community to new heights.