Positive Masculinity and Ending Digital Violence Against Gender-based Violence

The African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) Liberia Chapter is today convening a one-day workshop in Monrovia to engage young people, particularly men, on the importance of positive masculinity in tackling gender-based violence, including digital violence.

Held under the theme “Positive Masculinity and Ending Digital Violence Against Women: Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes towards Women’s Leadership”, the workshop brings together 30 participants representing university student leaders, young professionals, the United Nations, religious institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, and international NGOs.

Amb. Kamara with a Cross-section of participants

In her motivational note, UN Women Liberia’s Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Yemi Falayajo, underscored that women’s empowerment must go hand in hand with the active involvement of men across Liberia, stressing collaboration as key to advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership. 

She indicated that there is no difference between online abuse and real violence, they are the same. “Digital abuse is not separate from “real” violence, it is part of the same continuum. It affects women and girls across education, employment, civic engagement, media, and private life. Online harassment, intimidation, and misuse of digital platforms cause real harm,” she emphasized.

Mr. Christian Mukosa, Country Representative of OHCHR Liberia, addressed participants on Positive Masculinity from a Human Rights perspective. He emphasized the importance of honoring traditions while firmly rejecting harmful cultural practices. “For us as Africans, it is good to respect our traditions. Even though traditions are very good, cultures that violate the rights of human beings - whether women or men - are not good traditions.” He then stressed that human rights must be part of our daily lives, stressing the urgent need to reject all forms of violence against women at households or communities.

Earlier, Ambassador Marjon V. Kamara, Chairperson of the AWLN Liberia Chapter, highlighted that the African Women Leadership Network has been established in 39 African countries with the shared mission of advancing women’s rights, including their right to full and equal protection in all aspects of national development. She expressed confidence that progress toward gender equality can be accelerated through stronger engagement of men as allies in the movement.

On 10 September 2025, the African Women’s Leaders Network (AWLN) Liberia hosted a Positive Masculinity Dialogue at the EJS Ministerial Complex under the theme “Positive Masculinity: Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes Towards Women’s Leadership.” The event gathered intergenerational men from government, civil society, youth, and influential leaders to explore the concept of positive masculinity and strengthen understanding of women’s leadership roles.

Today’s gathering is the continuation of the conversation in the framework of the 2025 commemoration of the 16 Days of activism and AWLN Liberia’s engagement with men, focusing on building alliances, advancing generation equality commitments, and supporting efforts to end violence against women.