Kinshasa, September 30th, 2025 (CPA).– Men were encouraged to deconstruct toxic behaviours and attitudes by opting for positive masculinity in order to promote gender equality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a workshop on Tuesday in Kinshasa. « Without deconstructed men, gender equality remains an illusion in the DRC. Let us deconstruct our toxic attitudes and behaviours in order to hope for an environment conducive to peace, social justice, gender equity and gender equality. This is possible through the adoption of positive forms of positive masculinity, » said Carlin Vese, national president of the Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality in the DRC (Rheeg-RDC). ‘Gender equality cannot be achieved without a profound transformation of social norms, power relations and behaviours. It is in this context that the “Our Voices Count” initiative, led by actors committed to a more just, equitable and inclusive society, fits in,’ he added.
According to Mr Vese, who is also an expert on gender, masculinity and positive femininity, it is time to deconstruct toxic behaviors, promote positive role models and ensure gender-sensitive laws and policies. « Joining Our Voices Matter” means refusing to accept injustice as normal. It means committing to building a society where every voice counts, regardless of gender. Men of quality are not afraid of equality, » he said. « The Network of Men Committed to Gender Equality in the DRC (Rheeg-RDC) is not looking for buzz. It is initiating fundamental work based on positive contagion, that is, progressive, sustainable and community-based change. Through community engagement, awareness-raising and training, the network is working to dismantle gender inequalities and promote respectful behaviour, » he explained, before pointing out that positive masculinity is key to transformation.
‘Positive masculinity proposes a redefinition of male roles, breaking with violence, domination and passivity. It encourages men and boys to become allies of equality, to question their privileges in a patriarchal system and to take active measures against gender-based violence (GBV),’ he said. He noted that positive masculinity is a transformative approach that requires time, training, and introspection. It is a serious methodological process that must be practiced in everyday life.