I am fascinated by the idea of finding champions in unlikely places, like when a former teacher that was really tough on you in the classroom sees you years later and tells you that you were his favorite student, or a former boss who you yelled at you a LOT in the office, sees you years later and tells you that you were always his favorite team member. I would say these people, for me, were not only unlikely champions, but more so unlikely to say anything nice about me. It was definitely unexpected, as was the link my friend Dr. Deanne DeVries sent me.
Deanne is incredibly smart, wordly, and she knows her stuff about Africa. I had the good fortune to spend more than a year connecting weekly with her via Zoom calls as part of a four-women brain trust. We started as strangers -- from the U.S. and Europe – connected by a common interest and developed into an ongoing, support group of other professionals. Our regular phone connections have discontinued, but the support continues strong none the less. Therefore, I expect to get smart supportive information from my respected collaborator and guide.
The title of the story behind the link started with “Unlikely Champion” and I was hooked.
Deanne also has been considered an unlikely champion. Over more than 30 years, this U.S. native lived in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Mozambique and she visited 20 countries across Africa. I loved that the local media called her out as the White Woman advocate for this continent that she calls Afri-CAN. She has even written two books about it. She speaks a number of languages, including Swahili and Portuguese as well as some tribal languages. In my book, I included one of my favorites stories that she shared. When two people at the airport spoke in Swahili and said things about her, unexpectedly, she said in Swahili to them, “great let’s talk in Swahili. I highly encourage you to check out her web site, www.DrDeanneDevries.com.
From Africa: Gender Equity on the Rise Among Men
Of course, Deanne sent me an article about Africa, and, unexpectedly, how the men of Africa are forming male mentor groups to champion gender equity. Gender reporter for the Nation Media Group, Kamau Maichuhie, wrote the article Unlikely Champions - Meet the Male Mentors Reshaping Gender Norms. I love how it combined the interests of both Deanne and me.
In a world where gender norms often dictate the roles and opportunities available to individuals, it is important to elevate conversations so that no gender gets left behind. With the global population near 50 percent male and 50 percent female, and with the challenges we are facing – from political unrest and human rights to global warming and sustainability measures – we need all people to participate in problem solving. These challenges are too big to leave any one group behind.
In my book Men-In-The-Middle: Conversations to Gain Momentum with Gender Equity’s Silent Majority, I spend a lot of time sharing insights I gained when I interviewed men about equity and then backed the insights with secondary research. I am a proponent of engaging men in the conversation as a path forward, given that men occupy the majority of leadership positions in companies and government, and therefore influence policy, promotion, pay and more.
In general, I would say men are unlikely champions for gender equity. I say in general because there are man who are champions, and, at the same time, I think we can agree that there is not a loud majority among men. This is why sharing examples of men speaking out can be encouraging.
This story from Kenya highlights the inspiring efforts of male mentors who are stepping up to challenge and reshape these norms, providing a blueprint for how men can be allies in the fight for gender equity.
The Male Engagement Strategy
The author, Kamau Maichuhie, starts his article addressing the shift that is working at a national level.
The Kwo-Kwop Boi forum in Elgeyo-Marakwet county exemplifies a shift, where elders mentor young men to become advocates for women's rights and empowerment.
This male engagement strategy, now recognized at the national level, aims to transform social norms and accelerate progress towards ending gender-based violence by 2026.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has long been recognized as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It provides guidance, support, and a network of opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. However, when it comes to gender equity, mentorship takes on an even more critical role. It becomes a platform for challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Kwo-Kwop-Boi means “a cultural site where men meet” in the local language; this is happening in an area where female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and domestic violence are prevalent. The male gatherings represent what the author describes as a seismic shift. There is a growing movement that recognizes the crucial role that men play in ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equity. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence.
Reporter Maichuhie interviewed one of the advocates, Tony Mwebia, founder of Men End FGM Foundation, who said, “It is very crucial that we engage men as a country in order to fight the deeply entrenched patriarchy and masculinity. This will help us to cultivate the culture of positive masculinity that is paramount for the gender equality push.”
From rural forums to national policy discussions, the country is pioneering a new approach to gender equity. Men’s behaviors are part of the problem AND essential part of the solution.
Men Supporting Men via Conversations
I am a female who interviewed men about gender equity, studied and analyzed transcripts and then did research on men as a group. White men are one of the least studied groups in Diversity & Inclusion; why? The norms, for the most part in business, government and other systems have been established by and for men. Given where we were at in our history, I understand that. Things have changed, though. It is time to adapt and create a more inclusive landscape.
There are a number of male advocates who have helped me see things differently, from authors and professors to corporate leaders and my own spouse. I am grateful. The more we share ideas and practice perspective taking, the more tolerant we are. The benefit of a global community is that we can learn from best practices across the globe, even from unexpected places.
The Ripple Effect
Back to the story of the Kwo-Kwop Boi forum in Elgeyo-Marakwet county, the male mentors in Kenya serve as a powerful reminder that achieving gender equity is a collective effort. Men have a critical role to play in this journey, and their involvement is not only beneficial but necessary. By becoming mentors, advocates, and allies, men can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Moreover, male mentors benefit from this process as well. Engaging in mentorship allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women and fosters empathy and collaboration. It also challenges them to reflect on their own biases and assumptions, promoting personal growth and development.
As we reflect on these efforts, how we can encourage more men to step into these roles? Whether through formal mentorship programs, community initiatives, or simply by being more mindful of our own actions and biases, we all have the potential to be champions for gender equity.
A Call to Action
In a world that often feels divided, stories like these remind us of the power of collaboration and the impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal. Let us celebrate and support the unlikely champions among us who are reshaping gender norms and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
We can all become part of the solution, driving positive change and building a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender. In Men-in-the-Middle, the concept of mutual growth and understanding is emphasized, underscoring that gender equity is not a zero-sum game but rather a collective journey towards a more equitable future.
A Final Unexpected Twist
As I write this, one of my sons will head to Kenya for a 10-day trip and there is another unexpected connection for me. My friend, Deanne, who sent me the article for this blog and is an expert on Africa, also offered advice for my son’s trip. She mentioned places to go and sites to see. My son, who is fan of my book and the message within it, was happy to hear about all Deanne’s reccomendations and hopes to visit some when he is there. I think I will add one other stop for him and that is to find the The Kwo-Kwop Boi forum in Elgeyo-Marakwet county.