The Generation Gender (GenG) #MenEnoughGenG campaign is a multi-country initiative designed to challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity and inspire men to embrace healthier, more equitable identities. Coordinated by Equimundo, in collaboration with partners in Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, and Rwanda, the campaign reflects a global commitment to redefining masculinity in a way that fosters compassion, respect, and allyship for gender equality. While the campaign’s implementation is tailored to the unique cultural contexts of these countries, it is built around universal themes that resonate across regions.
By focusing on core pillars—rethinking harmful norms, embracing care and compassion, and encouraging men to seek help—the Men Enough campaign provides a standardized yet adaptable approach. These shared principles empower men to grow as positive role models, challenge stereotypes, and take meaningful action in their lives and communities. This blog explores the key themes of the campaign and highlights the practical steps men can take to transform self-reflection into action, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their surroundings.
Embracing the vision: Core themes and actions
For many men, masculinity is about challenging harmful ideas of what it means to be a man. It’s about opening up and expressing emotions in healthy ways, being vulnerable, caring for others, and respecting and valuing people of all gender identities. This version of masculinity is about compassion, respect, and actions that improve the lives of all those around us, especially women and girls. The Men Enough campaign provides an opportunity for men to discuss mental health, to build community, to challenge stereotypes, and to become allies for gender equality.
Dismantling harmful patriarchal norms and achieving the goal of a gender-just world will not happen overnight, nor will it be triggered by a single action. It requires a group effort, a systematic strategy, where consistent allyship, and a multitude of small but meaningful changes come together and create lasting impact. Fortunately, we have Men Enough.
Its themes highlight various actions and mindsets that you can adopt to begin moving the needle toward gender equality. Each theme acts as a guidepost, encouraging you to reflect, grow, and take meaningful action in your daily lives.
Men Enough to think differently, to speak up, to respect
Now’s the time to begin rejecting those outdated norms and expectations that have long held you back. We need to seriously question these ideas that say men always need to be tough, in control, and keep their emotions hidden. Men are encouraged to live as purely physical beings: decisive, action-oriented, and muscular, with their thoughts, feelings, and emotions – and those of others – made secondary or completely unimportant. These pressures have often made it hard for men to be themselves, stopping them from connecting deeply with others, and inducing feelings of failure when they don’t live up to these expectations. Instead, this effort is about embracing a broader, healthier way of life–one that lets men be open, expressive, and advocate for others.
By thinking differently, you can let go of the pressure to fit into stiff roles of “manliness’’ and give yourself permission to grow emotionally, find true fulfillment, and foster supportive environments where everyone feels valued, seen, and empowered. In doing so, you also set an example of allyship, actively contributing to a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.
What you can do today:
- Challenge yourself and make it a habit to call out stereotypes when you hear them. Whether it’s in social settings, work, or family gatherings, questioning these ideas can inspire others to do the same, paving the way for broader change.
- Play your part in creating healthy environments, like workplaces, by giving credit, calling out bias, and challenging the barriers that hinder women’s advancement at work.
- Practice respect daily by listening without judgment, supporting women’s choices, and advocating for women.
Men Enough to care, to ask, to end violence
Caring is at the heart of positive masculinity. This Campaign encourages you to be active caregivers—whether at home, in your relationships, or in your communities. This means sharing responsibilities like childcare, household tasks, or being there emotionally. Caring isn’t just about providing financially; it’s about presence over presents, providing nurture as well as needs, and being supportive. It’s about showing that real strength comes from compassion and shared responsibility. When you take on care work and support your partner and family, you’ll strengthen those relationships, and set a positive example for the next generation. Caring for others also means respecting their autonomy and choices, and caring about their feelings, their comfort, and their safety. By embracing care and compassion, you can also contribute to ending violence, creating environments where everyone feels secure and valued.
What you can do today:
- Actively share caregiving tasks at home. Whether it’s cooking dinner, helping with homework, or simply listening, being fully present in these daily moments helps foster equality and connection.
- In your next conversation or interaction, practice asking for consent and respecting the answer, whether it’s for a hug or a favor. Consent shows respect and care – make it a habit.
- Always choose care, connection, and respect, and break the cycle of violence.
Men Enough to seek help, to ask, to listen, to love
Seeking help takes real courage and it’s important to recognize that it’s okay not to be okay. Asking for support is not a sign of weakness but in fact, strength. It takes bravery to admit when you need a hand, and reaching out is one of the most important steps a person can take for their well-being. By being open about your struggles and taking proactive steps to take care of your mental health, you’ll set the tone for other men and boys in your life. Reaching out plays a significant role in creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to ask for help when they need it. Listening to others and showing love—not just in words but in presence and action—can also create a foundation of trust and understanding, making it easier for those around you to open up and feel supported.
What you can do today:
- Start by having an honest conversation with a friend or family member about mental health. This extends to seeking help through counseling and other professional platforms. Sharing your experiences openly can encourage others to seek help too, creating a supportive network for everyone.
- Practice active listening: stay engaged, listen to understand, reflect, and ask open-ended questions to spark meaningful conversations.
- Take a moment today to express your love openly by doing or saying something kind to someone else.
Join the Movement
Redefining masculinity takes genuine courage and openness to change. The Men Enough Campaign is a call to action for every man to be part of this transformation, taking one step at a time. We believe that a gender-just and violence-free society is possible, and we need you to help us achieve it.
Whether it’s caring for loved ones, reaching out for support, or challenging harmful stereotypes, remember:
The seemingly small efforts of many men can lead to powerful change. Every story, every conversation, and every action counts.
Follow and engage with #MenEnoughGenG on these social media accounts and profiles:
Global: Equimundo Instagram, Equimundo X, ABAAD Instagram, ABAAD X
About the Men Enough Campaign: A Call to Redefine Masculinities
Led by the Generation Gender Partnership and implemented in Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, the Men Enough campaign is about redefining our understanding of masculinities—moving beyond stereotypes of toughness and control to embrace empathy, introspection, and equality. It invites men everywhere to show up and lean in as positive role models for their families, communities, and society at large. This initiative encourages men and boys to reflect on power and privilege and question the value and origins of social pressures and expectations of manhood. It is founded on the belief that men have the potential to be strong allies for change. By embracing vulnerability, compassion, and peaceful conflict resolution, men can help create healthier and more equitable environments for all. This shift benefits not only women and children but also men themselves in all their diversity—fostering deeper connections and a stronger sense of community. Learn more about the campaign here.
About Generation Gender (Gen G)
Since 2021, the Gen G partnership, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and globally coordinated by four organizations, has sought to galvanize and equip young people to address the root causes of gender inequality and foster meaningful change. Rutgers, Equimundo, ABAAD, and Sonke Gender Justice work towards this vision in collaboration with nineteen local civil society organizations that form country coalitions in Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
