Story
18 March 2026
Advancing Positive Masculinity to End Gender-Based Violence: Engaging Men as Partners
In Rubongi Sub-county, Tororo District, Vincent Onyango represents a growing movement of men redefining leadership within their homes and communities. At 28 years of age, he is a Youth Counselor, Deputy Speaker, and trained community volunteer on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sanitation, and hygiene. His transformation began through participation in the SASA! Together approach, implemented under the Spotlight Initiative with funding from the European Union and the Netherlands Embassy.The Start, Awareness, Support, and Action (SASA!) Together Approach is being used by the Spotlight Initiative to support communities to prevent violence against women and girls and reduce HIV risk by addressing power imbalances between men and women. Through SASA! communities critically reflect on how power is used in relationships, families, and society. Instead of blaming individuals, it encourages positive use of power - promoting respect, equality, and non-violence.Before engaging in the programme, Vincent acknowledged challenges in his relationship, childhood trauma and difficulties in managing conflict. “I believed that as a man, I had to dominate and make all decisions,” he reflects. This manifested in disputes linked to his wife’s work and household finances, and harmful coping mechanisms. Through the SASA! Together training, Vincent was introduced to the concept of power imbalance as a root cause of domestic violence. The facilitated dialogues encouraged his own critical self-reflection on gender norms, decision-making, and shared responsibility. “I realized I was using power to control rather than to support my family,” he says. “Change is gradual, but it is possible.” Following the training, Vincent began applying the principles of positive masculinity in his own household. He now shares domestic responsibilities, supports his wife’s economic participation, and jointly plans household finances and family decisions. The couple intentionally planned their second pregnancy to ensure financial and emotional preparedness. According to Vincent, these changes have resulted in greater stability and mutual respect within the home.His personal transformation has extended into community leadership. Recognized for his behavioral change, Vincent was entrusted with responsibilities as Youth Counselor and Deputy Speaker of his community at Rubongi Sub-county, Tororo District. Young men increasingly seek his guidance on managing conflict constructively. One mentee, David Ochieng, notes, “I thought violence was the way to solve problems. After learning from Vincent, I handle issues calmly, and my family is happier.” Another community member, Emmanuel Moses Abach, shares that he now participates in household responsibilities, recognizing that caregiving is not limited by gender.Beyond mentorship, Vincent collaborates with eight peers to address economic vulnerability among youth. Through the government Youth Livelihood Programme, they established a tailoring workshop that provides skills training and starter support to participants. The initiative has already secured a contract to supply school uniforms locally, contributing to income generation and reducing poverty-related stressors that often exacerbate domestic conflict.Spotlight Initiative, a global partnership aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, demonstrates that engaging men and boys as allies is essential for sustainable change. By promoting positive masculinity, shared decision-making, and community accountability, the programme is fostering safer households in Tororo.“I was not this person before SASA!,” Vincent concludes. “Now I understand that true strength is respect and partnership.”