The Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN) in conjunction with Men’s Network in Zambia has called on the African Union together with its member states to start elevating the status of the international men’s day to celebrate achievements made by men in a bid to enhance gender equality.

The International Men’s Day is commemorated on November 19 every year with the aim of highlighting some of the social issues that men and boys face.

Marcel Chisi, national chairperson for MEGEN told YFM Online that it is unfortunate that governments are failing to highlight and celebrate men for their achievements and contributions at domestic, community and national level.

He said mostly, men are only looked at perpetrators of violence and abuse which he said defeats the whole purpose of gender equality.