By Apostle Shaine Criqua

Personal and Reflective

My critical learning is that men must first confront themselves. In my work, I’ve seen that silence and denial are the greatest enablers of GBV. Real transformation begins when men acknowledge the harm caused by patriarchy, take responsibility for their behaviour, and commit to unlearning violence. When men choose empathy, accountability, and respect – towards women, children, other men, and the LGBTIQA+ community – we create safe spaces where dignity is restored. Ending GBV is not something we wait for others to do; it starts with the courage to change ourselves.

Strong and Direct

My key learning is simple: GBV will not end until men show up. We cannot claim to be good men while remaining silent in the face of abuse, harmful masculinity, and the victimisation of women, children, men, and LGBTIQA+ people. Prevention demands active responsibility – calling out our brothers, challenging toxic norms, holding systems accountable, and choosing compassion over power. When men lead with integrity and accountability, we shift the culture. Change begins when men decide that GBV is their fight too.

Faith-Grounded Message

My most important learning is that men are called to be protectors of dignity and carriers of peace. In my journey, I’ve seen that faith becomes powerful when men humble themselves, confront harmful behaviour, and choose love instead of control. Ending GBV requires men to be present, accountable, and compassionate – to stand with survivors, guide our sons with integrity, and honour the worth of every person, including those in the LGBTIQA+ community. True manhood is lived through service and justice, because to truly love our neighbour means to never violate their rights and never to tolerate any form of abuse, injustice and violence.