HeForShe: Engaging Men and Boys for Gender Equality
FAAD's HeForShe initiative mobilizes men and boys as allies in dismantling patriarchal norms and promoting positive masculinity. Through community-led interventions, we've engaged over 26,000 men directly and 166,000 indirectly as change agents.
See Our ImpactHeForShe: Advancing Gender Equality and HIV Response
Strengthened Health-Seeking Behavior
Men's health-seeking behaviors have improved, contributing to Malawi's UNAIDS targets. As of December 2023, 97% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) had been diagnosed out of which 98% were initiated on life prolonging Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of PLHIV on ART were virally suppressed (97:98:95 vs 95:95:95 targets) as outlined by the National Aids Commission (NAC).Economic Empowerment
Using an Evidence-based programming approach, FAAD is implementing the Village Savings and Loan (VSL). The VSL schemes have economically empowered women affected by or living with HIV, supporting 83 women to start businesses and manage resources transparently.Policy Advancements
FAAD has contributed to the development of gender equality policies in Malawi through evidence-based advocacy. The launch of the National Male Engagement Strategy on Gender Equality, GBV, SRHR and HIV (2023-2030) underscores Malawi's commitment to gender equality and a robust HIV response.Voices of Change
The HeForShe initiatives grassroots networks amplify the voices of local change agents—traditional leaders, youth, and community groups—who challenge harmful norms and advocate for equality. These efforts have reduced cases of GBV and created resilient community justice systems.Community Justice
"Currently violence against women and girls has reduced because of different groups for example, HeForShe (group) act when there is a report that a woman or a girl has been violated. So, I can say now VAWG has reduced compared with the past (years)" says Lunda Kamwana, HeForShe Kasungu in central Malawi.A Catalyst for Progress
Through cross-sector interventions, HeForShe has catalyzed significant progress in Malawi.
The Project Rationale
People living with HIV in Malawi (2024 Spectrum/Naomi estimates)
Of new HIV infections are among women
Of women living with HIV report their status impacts their work
Women and girls living with HIV benefiting from the ACT Project
Women supported to start businesses through VSL schemes
UNAIDS targets achieved (diagnosed:on ART:virally suppressed)
Malawi's Progress Towards Ending HIV