As Vice Chairperson of the Ugandan parliamentary Committee on Social Services, Chris Baryomunsi acts as an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, trying to involve his fellow male citizens in a movement for gender equality. In a recent interview with IPS News, Baryomunsi said that “a paradigm shift is needed” to tip the balance and achieve gender equality in Uganda. A momentum is presently building in the state, with three substantial gender-related bills set to appear before congress for deliberation in November. Baryomunsi, a doctor and lawmaker, introduced and championed one of legislative measures, a bill to criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Baryomunsi explains that this is a critical time for male involvement, insisting that development will not occur without the support of men, who comprise a majority of seats within parliament. He goes on to add, “a law in itself is not the final solution,” but rather that the evolution of social and cultural attitudes will have to accompany any legal progress in order to affect lasting change. Convincing men that the empowerment of women does not detract from their own power is central to the challenge of engaging men, Baryomunsi says:

“With increased exposure and mobilization, the men will appreciate that their being powerful as a man should not be to the disadvantage of a woman.”

Discussing further efforts, the lawmaker described a need for a public awareness raising campaign to educate citizens on pending legislation and involve them in a movement for gender equality.

Q&A Women’s Empowerment: ‘Men Are Interested’ - IPS News