UPPER NILE – “Gender equality concerns both women and men,” says Tut Munnendiny, father of two daughters and three sons.

“I believe women’s rights are human rights and we shouldn’t treat the struggle for gender equality as only a women’s issue. As a father, I teach my sons that women are their equals and my daughters to speak up for what they believe in.”

Tut is one among a growing number of men who are working—within their family units and the larger community—to advocate for women having the same opportunities as men in South Sudan.

He was also an animated participant at a conference on breaking gender stereotypes organized by Upper Nile state’s Ministry of Gender in Malakal and supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Attended by 40 men, the forum included some who are already women’s empowerment activists, while others expressed their interest in learning how to be an ally and a partner for South Sudanese women as they strive to end harmful traditional practices, which hold them back from playing a leading role in shaping this young nation’s future.

They are husbands, fathers, brothers, community leaders and civil society members. And they share a common goal—to help pass the message that women make up 50 percent of any society. Their needs and wants must be fully included for a country to prosper.

“Our role is to help men to reflect on gender roles and responsibilities. The aim is to create a shift in mindsets where empowering women isn’t seen as an impediment but as a benefit to all of society. This takes time but conversations like this are important” says Batricia Kimbo Paul, a Gender Affairs Officer from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Malakal.

Mary Nyaluong Dhieu Kiir agrees. “Women in South Sudan face a lot of pressure to stay home rather than become a contributing member of the country’s workforce. Similarly, men face ridicule and  isolation when they are seen to be helping their wives with domestic chores,” she states.

“These traditional gendered roles come into sharper focus when seen against prevalent social norms that keep women and girls in the background, such as early and forced marriages or sexual violence being used as a weapon of war,” adds Mary. “So, such conferences are essential for a united push for equal rights. It's a whole of society issue."

According to John Chol Dire, an information technology manager attending the event, boys and men must be more knowledgeable about gender equality to play a key role in achieving it. “Culture changes over time. For example, competing equally with a woman to get a job might be challenge a South Sudanese man initially but we can only break these stereotypes if we can identify them in the first place,” he explains.

As the day drew to a close, it was a group of enlightened and empowered men who headed home.

“This event may seem like a small step for many people from other countries, but for us as South Sudanese men, it is a milestone discussion that will trickle far and wide among our communities,” promised Tut.