The 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) marks a pivotal moment in the global movement for gender equality. As we reflect on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, RWAMREC is proud to contribute to this milestone event with a strong presence and a clear message: men and boys must be active allies in dismantling patriarchal structures and advancing gender justice.
Who is RWAMREC?
Men working with women to promote gender equality
The Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting gender equality by engaging men as allies in the fight against gender-based violence and discrimination. We work in Rwanda and the Central African Republic (CAR) to challenge harmful masculinities and promote positive male engagement. RWAMREC is an ECOSOC-accredited NGO and an observer at the African Union Human Rights Commission.
Since our founding in 2006, we have reached thousands of people through community programs, advocacy, and policy work. One of our flagship programs, BANDEBEREHO, promotes positive fatherhood and gender-equitable relationships. It is now being scaled up through Rwanda’s national health system. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated its immediate impact upon implementation, and this positive effect was maintained even after six years.
What is CSW and Why It Matters
CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Every year, it convenes government representatives, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and gender advocates to assess progress and strategize on policies for gender equality.
In today’s geopolitical landscape, where gender rights face increasing resistance and backlash, CSW69 is more crucial than ever. From the rollback of progressive policies to the rise of online misogyny and extremist movements targeting gender equality, the fight for women’s rights demands not just resilience but also stronger, broader alliances.
RWAMREC stands at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for the essential role of men and boys in gender transformation. By challenging toxic masculinities and promoting positive male engagement, we ensure that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but a collective goal for all of society.
RWAMREC’s Role at CSW69
We are honored to have our Director of Programs, Gisele Umutoniwase, and Executive Director, Fidèle Rutayisire, as key speakers in two dynamic side events:
1. Bridging the Divide: Men and Boys as Allies and Agents of Change in Feminism
Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST | Venue: Permanent Mission of Rwanda in New York
This event, co-organized by RWAMREC alongside the Government of Rwanda, UN Women, MenEngage Alliance, and other global partners, will explore how men and boys can actively support feminist movements. Key discussions will address:
The role of men in tackling gender stereotypes and resisting the backlash against feminism.
Lessons learned from 30 years of engaging men in gender equality.
Practical strategies for mobilizing men to be proactive allies in the fight against GBV and gender injustice.
Our Director of Programs, Gisele Umutoniwase, will share RWAMREC’s insights on best practices and challenges in transforming masculinities and fostering meaningful male engagement.
2. Transforming Care: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions in Men’s Involvement in Care Work
Date: Friday, 14 March 2025 | Time: 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM EST | Venue: Conference Room 12, General Assembly Building
This high-level discussion, co-hosted by RWAMREC, the Government of Rwanda, and key international partners, will focus on:
The progress made in engaging men in unpaid care work and caregiving responsibilities.
Policy gaps that hinder gender-equitable caregiving.
Future commitments to drive systemic change in care policies worldwide.
Our Executive Director, Fidèle Rutayisire, will contribute to this critical dialogue, emphasizing RWAMREC’s experience in promoting positive masculinities and equitable caregiving roles in Rwanda and beyond.
Why Engaging Men is Fundamental to Gender Equality
RWAMREC has long championed the belief that achieving gender equality requires engaging men as allies rather than as bystanders or adversaries. Our work is grounded in:
Transforming harmful masculinities – Challenging patriarchal norms that sustain gender-based violence and inequality.
Encouraging men’s involvement in care work – Shifting the burden of unpaid care and domestic responsibilities.
Fostering male allyship – Promoting men’s active participation in feminist movements and social justice efforts.
Join Us in Shaping a More Inclusive Future
As the global community gathers at CSW69, RWAMREC is committed to amplifying the message that gender equality is a shared responsibility. We invite policymakers, civil society, and all stakeholders to engage in these crucial conversations and work towards a world where men and women stand together in solidarity for justice and equality.
Follow us on our social media channels for live updates from CSW69!
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