(Re)defining, challenging, and transforming masculinities in sexuality and health programmes and policy.
Closing date: 30 April 2014

In the 20 years since the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development, those working in the fields of health and sexuality have increasingly seen (changing) ‘men and masculinities’ as central to struggles for greater gender justice.  Efforts to respond to men’s violence and HIV, in particular, have focused on engaging men and boys, and on increasing understanding of the links between men, masculinities and a range of health behaviours.  Other work has explored how broad processes of social change have reworked masculinities and the implications of this for both health and sexuality. 

Perhaps as a consequence of these efforts, the phrase ‘We need to work with men and boys’ has become something of a mantra dominating health and sexuality programmes.  Yet surprisingly little research has explored what this might actually mean, the processes involved and, particularly, the challenges, problems, limitations and politics of this kind of work. Nor has there been much consideration of the ways in which women are and could be involved in this work, so as to support and not hinder efforts at changing masculinities.

In response to this HEARD researcher Andrew Gibbs, together with researchers Cathy Vaughan (University of Melbourne) and Peter Aggleton (University of New South Wales) have a call for papers for a special issue of the journal Culture, Health and Sexuality, to critically explore engagement with men and boys and how this can be done in more progressive, equitable and health enhancing ways.

Follow the link for more information and submission guidelines. http://www.heard.org.za/news/call-for-papers-beyond-working-with-men-and-boys