Men and Positive Masculinities
Gender equality is an important concern in our society which recognises the historical disadvantages that women have faced in society. Gender equality requires both women and men to take on different roles and responsibilities in society. Women’s empowerment their autonomy and transforming institutions to provide greater space to women and their needs and decisions has been an area of keen interest for the women’s rights movement. However, there is less emphasis on the changes in men which are equally important for gender equality. CHSJ has consistently worked to highlight the need to involve men and focussed on practical ways of doing so.
CHSJ has been engaged in dismantling masculinity and patriarchy through mobilizing and involving men and boys in gender justice. It is a pioneer organization acclaimed at the local and global level for its expertise in working with men and boys and as a resource centre on gender and masculinity. CHSJ’s richness of work on gender and masculinities is founded on a long journey of grassroots level work involving men and boys in transforming social norms for gender equality.
CHSJ provides opportunities for men and boys from all walks of life to bring positive masculinites within themselves & join as allies & partners in advancing gender justice & working in solidarity with the women’s rights movement believes everyone will benefit from equality in relationships and the transformation of patriarchal attitudes, practices & social norms.
The work has resulted in outcomes like improved sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, men and adolescents, a reduction in violence against women, change in discriminatory gender social norms, prevention of early marriage of girls, an alteration in gender role stereotypes with men and boys taking responsibility for domestic and care work and supporting women’s leadership and decision making.
In addition, men are able to embrace individual change with a broader range of emotional experiences, new attitudes, and practices that are free of masculinity norms, achieving deeper and more fulfilling relationships. They also integrate better into the community as they work towards goals of social development and solidarity.