Kinshasa, October 13th, 2026 (CPA).-Positive masculinity and positive femininity have been presented as pillars of disaster prevention and life protection during a discussion held on Tuesday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a gender expert, on the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
“Positive masculinity and positive femininity are pillars of prevention and life protection. These approaches enable men and women to play an important role in building families capable of anticipating risks, coping with crises and recovering together after a disaster,” said Carlin Vese, an expert in gender, positive masculinity and positive femininity.
According to him, true masculine strength does not lie in making decisions alone, but in mobilizing everyone’s abilities to protect all lives. “In the face of floods, fires, epidemics, building collapses or other emergencies, a role-model man is one who anticipates risks, shares responsibilities, controls his reactions and contributes to informed collective decisions. He rejects violent behavior, negligence and relations of domination that undermine family cohesion at a time when solidarity becomes essential,” Mr. Vese said, noting that positive masculinity encourages men to protect without dominating and to prevent risks without imposing their will.“In many societies, men are often regarded as primarily responsible for the material and physical protection of their families. This responsibility can be a strength when expressed through positive masculinity, based on responsibility, empathy, self-control, solidarity and respect for the rights of others,” the gender expert said.
“A man committed to positive masculinity does not simply present himself as the protector of his household. He makes a practical contribution to its safety by participating in the identification of hazards, encouraging the preparation of a family emergency plan, ensuring that the home environment is secure and promoting the sharing of essential information with all family members,” he added. He explained that a man committed to positive masculinity also learns to listen to women, children, older people and persons with disabilities, whose needs and experiences may reveal vulnerabilities that are often overlooked.Every year on October 13th, the world celebrates the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The day reminds us that disaster prevention is not solely the responsibility of governments, emergency services or specialized organizations. It also begins in our homes, within our families and in our communities.