Men for Equality (MFE), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and in partnership with the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), is expanding its Fathers’ Clubs initiative to 30 communities across the Lower River Region (LRR), targeting 240 fathers.
The initiative aims to engage men, particularly fathers, in promoting positive masculinity, advancing gender equality and preventing harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV).
As part of the programme, 30 Fathers’ Clubs will be established and strengthened throughout the region, creating platforms where men can engage in dialogue, share experiences and identify practical ways of contributing to positive change within their families and communities.
The initiative is premised on the recognition that men, especially fathers, play a significant role in household decision-making, family relationships and the social norms that shape the lives of women and children. It therefore seeks to increase their involvement in efforts to address gender inequality and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and children.
Through the Fathers’ Clubs, participants will be provided with structured opportunities for dialogue, learning and reflection. The sessions are expected to encourage fathers to critically examine their beliefs and attitudes towards gender roles, harmful traditional practices and violence, while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact such issues have on families and communities.
MFE’s approach centres on constructive engagement rather than blame or confrontation. It encourages men to reflect on their responsibilities and recognise how their decisions and actions can contribute to preventing violence, protecting children and fostering more equitable relationships within households.
The expansion into the Lower River Region builds on the organisation’s experience in implementing the Fathers’ Clubs model since 2024. MFE has previously established similar clubs in the Upper River Region (URR) and the West Coast Region (WCR), where the platforms have been used to engage fathers in discussions and community actions on positive masculinity, gender equality and the prevention of harmful practices.
Experiences from these regions form part of the organisation’s broader efforts to encourage men to take an active role in challenging social norms and practices that negatively affect women and children.
By extending the initiative to 30 communities in LRR, MFE hopes to reach more fathers and deepen community-level participation in advancing gender equality and social transformation.
The programme also underscores the importance of collective responsibility in addressing issues such as FGM, child marriage and gender-based violence. Organisers stress that sustainable change requires the involvement of all segments of society, including men, traditional authorities and community leaders.
Men for Equality is a Gambian men-led organisation established in 2014 to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality, preventing sexual and gender-based violence, and addressing harmful traditional practices.
The organisation advances positive masculinity through dialogue, community engagement, youth leadership and initiatives that encourage men and boys to become active partners in building safer, more equitable and inclusive communities.
Its work is guided by the belief that lasting social change can be achieved through constructive engagement with men and boys, recognising their influence and supporting them to take responsibility for promoting equality and protecting human dignity.
Through the establishment and strengthening of 30 Fathers’ Clubs in the Lower River Region, the initiative seeks to empower fathers to become active agents of change in challenging harmful practices and promoting positive behavioural transformation at both household and community levels.
