South Africa: Men challenged to work on developing new forms of masculinity

Article here. Excerpt:

'“Dominating, aggressive forms of hegemonic masculinity are not meeting the needs of men or women to live nurtured, emotive and interconnected lives. Because both women and men suffer under hegemonic masculinities, it is pivotal that men work toward gender equality and developing new forms of masculinities,” Tshoaedi said.

Hegemonic masculinity is defined as a practice that legitimises men's dominant position in society, while justifying the subordination of marginalised groups and women.

Tshoaedi argued that men’s involvement in gender equality will have a “humanising effect”.

“The concept of 'caring masculinities' encourages men to participate in projects on gender equality. It calls for the adoption of values and characteristics of care, which negate hegemonic masculinities.

“Caring masculinities requires men to rethink ideas of power and how we use that power. It calls for using one’s power to engage in resistance against patriarchal domination and control that is harmful,” Tshoaedi said.'