Miscellaneous

Rein van de Ruit asks "Where are men to go for guidance and healing?"

Following the 5th Men's Leadership Gathering, Rein Van de Ruit reconsiders the contribution that poets and storytellers can make to the men's movement.

Gerry Orkin stays up late searching for meaning on the net.

how does it feel to be the one
who let’s yourself down?
how does it feel--
the sorrow?

Although we have invented technology that permits instantaneous communication throughout the world, cured many diseases, extended our lifespan, and walked on the moon, we have not solved a fundamental dilemma, the problem of excessive male violence.

I watched the television as they showed young Kristy, proud in her soldier’s uniform, the wind in her hair and the sky in the background. She looked strong, proud, and beautiful. Another shot showed her in her uniform doing pushups – a striking image of a strong woman.

But these was her “before” photos; her “ugly” photos.

You might think being a mate is as easy as drinking beer for your average Aussie bloke but it's not always that simple. Tony Nairn wades into the deep waters of mateship looking for some pointers.

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OVERVIEW

In various settings, small numbers of men and boys are changing their attitudes and behaviour towards women - supporting opportunities for women to earn an income outside the home, or speaking out against gender-based violence, for example. What makes this kind of resistance to rigid views of gender possible? How can development policies and programmes stimulate or build on these positive attitudes and behaviours to achieve gender equality for all? This report - consisting of an overview, annotated bibliography, and contacts section - describes a broad range of innovative work being carried out in different parts of the world to engage men in the promotion of gender equality. It looks at the reasons for involving men and boys in gender and development work, and considers why it might be in men's own interests to change. It goes on to consider possible strategies for, and examples of, positive changes in men's attitudes and behaviour, focusing on:

:-involving men as partners against gender-based violence;
:-strengthening men's resistance to violence and conflict;
:-fostering constructive male involvement in sexual and reproductive health and rights;
:-encouraging men's positive engagement as fathers and carers; and
:-promoting more gender-equitable institutional cultures and practices within development organisations.