UNFPA, Sweden launch 'The Catalyst Initiative' in Bangladesh to promote positive masculinity, gender equality
Through this effort, development organisations and their staff will be encouraged to model gender-equitable behaviours and adopt approaches that drive meaningful, positive change
On the occasion of International Men's Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Sweden jointly launched "The Catalyst Initiative" in Bangladesh, aiming to transform traditional gender norms and advance positive masculinity across both development and humanitarian settings.
Supported by Sweden, the Catalyst Initiative seeks to redefine how men and boys engage in promoting gender equality. Its mission is to foster empathy, care, and non-violence, while ensuring workplaces, programmes, and leadership structures uphold dignity and equal opportunities for all.
Through this effort, development organisations and their staff will be encouraged to model gender-equitable behaviours and adopt approaches that drive meaningful, positive change .
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Sweden's Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks said, "On this International Men's Day, we are reminded that meaningful change starts from within. As a man, I know that challenging harmful norms requires self-reflection.
"Sweden is proud to support this initiative, which offers men opportunities to reflect, grow, and play an authentic role in advancing gender equality," he added.
UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen Kamkong noted, "The foundation of this initiative lies in a deep understanding to create professional impact, personal transformation must come first.
"Change has to begin at 'home', and our 'home' is the centre of our development and humanitarian efforts."
She added, "We are helping our male colleagues become more conscious and active allies for social change. Whether creating new programmes, supporting policies, or engaging communities, we want everyone to experience services delivered by professionals who truly uphold gender equality."
Under the Catalyst Initiative, UNFPA will develop training modules, conduct workshops for male staff of development organisations and embassies, and organise awareness campaigns.
The programme will support institutions in assessing their internal gender dynamics, strengthening allyship among men, and designing gender-responsive initiatives grounded in positive masculinity.
UNFPA Bangladesh Deputy Representative Masaki Watabe said, "Change begins within ourselves—within our organisations, families, and personal attitudes. This initiative is dedicated to male colleagues who, throughout their learning journey—from self-reflection to practical action—will receive support.
"The Catalyst Initiative is an innovation built around role-modelling the equality we advocate for, transforming masculinity into a force for peace, equity, and justice," he added.
