August 25, 2025: In a dynamic three-day forum, TGNP, in partnership with UN Women, convened its quarterly Male Safe-Space Dialogue to foster intergenerational dialogue on positive masculinity. Held at TGNP’s office in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, from 22 to 24 August 2025, the event brought together 90 men from six wards across Temeke, Ilala, and Kinondoni municipalities. The forum positions men as active allies in advancing gender equality and as champions of women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
The primary goal of this three-day forum was to engage male community members, traditional leaders, and influencers to actively support and promote women’s participation and leadership in public life. The sessions set out to increase the number of male champions committed to gender equality, encourage transformative actions at the community level, and promote joint household decision-making.
Insights
The forum served as a vital platform for men to openly discuss deep-rooted gender issues from their own perspective. A powerful story of support came from one participant who helped his wife break free from traditional norms that limited her potential. By providing emotional and practical support, he created a safe and encouraging environment that enabled her to enrol as a private candidate and focus on her studies. Another participant highlighted the struggles of women in his community, saying:
“In Kilungule, many young women from low-income families struggle to access vocational skills and widows often face discrimination and are denied inheritance rights.”
The men also brought to light several pervasive issues that need to be addressed:
- Cultural and Traditional Norms: Deep-seated patriarchal beliefs continue to limit women’s roles in leadership and economic activities, often confining them to domestic duties.
- Economic Constraints: Women face significant barriers to economic empowerment due to limited access to capital, credit, and financial resources that hinder their ability to start businesses or run for office.
- Lack of Confidence and Gaps in Support: Many women struggle with self-doubt and fear of social judgment. The lack of peer-to-peer encouragement and mentorship from both men and women further isolates them.
- The Burden of Unpaid Labor: Women continue to carry the burden of unpaid care and household work, leaving them with little time or energy for leadership roles or income-generating activities.
- Structural Barriers: Male-dominated governance systems and institutions at the grassroots level make it difficult for women to access leadership positions or economic support programs.
Recommendations for Change
Based on the fruitful discussion, participants developed several recommendations to ensure the conversation leads to tangible action:
- Institutionalise Male Safe Spaces: TGNP and its partners should continue facilitating these conversations as a structured platform for men and youth to become allies in advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
- Strengthen Male-Champion Networks: Build community-based networks of male champions to sustain advocacy, mentor youth, and model positive masculinity beyond one-off sessions.
- Establish Follow-Up Mechanisms: Implement clear accountability and follow-up processes, including community action plans, to track commitments and translate dialogue into real community change.
By bringing men into the conversation, these safe spaces are not only highlighting the challenges but also building a network of male allies committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive society as emphasised by Flora Ndaba, the Head of Activism and Movement Building at TGNP:
“The Safe-Space Dialogues are not just a venue for discussion but a transformative process that builds mutual understanding, nurtures positive masculinities, and drives community-led change.”
About the Male Safe-Space Dialogues
The Male Safe-Space Dialogues are coordinated by TGNP and create an inclusive platform for men and male youth to reflect critically on gender norms, attitudes, and behaviours that often limit women’s economic empowerment and leadership. The dialogue sessions aim to:
- Promote Positive Masculinity: We encourage a healthy understanding of what it means to be a man by challenging harmful stereotypes.
- Foster Intergenerational Understanding: We bridge the gap between older and younger generations of men, building a shared commitment to gender equality.
- Encourage Practical Commitments: We inspire men to take tangible action to support women’s leadership and decision-making in their homes and communities.
By engaging men as active allies, these dialogue sessions ensure sustained male involvement in gender equality advocacy, ultimately helping to build more equitable and inclusive communities.
