Positive Masculinities

Men have been socialized, just like all other genders, by the larger system to think and behave in ways that they are criticized for. While we have focused on all other gender, there has not been as much of an attempt to facilitate men in reflecting on and transforming their own socialization.

There is a price that men pay for the power, position, and privilege in patriarchy. While it hurts women and other genders, patriarchy takes away from the lives of men as well, directly and indirectly. Thus, patriarchy hurts and restricts all genders.

We help men, especially male youth, to take stock of their masculinity and their lives. They reflect on their strengths as well as areas of their gender that either hurts those they love or themselves, directly or indirectly.

Some of the specific areas we focus on include:

-Men and their socialization process

-Men as lovers - both positive and the shadow side of romance, love, and sexuality

-Men and families relationships

-Men as providers

-Men as Protectors and Defenders - both positive and its shadow side

-Men, Anger and Violence

-Men and their relationship with Spirituality and Creativity

Patriarchy and Sexuality

Within patriarchy, all genders are deeply programmed about attitudes and values around their bodies and their sexuality. Women suffer the most. We take patriarchal socialization apart, outlining the underlying dynamics, and bring out the ways in which patriarchal values and practices limit sexuality for all in the system.

We explore sexual crimes and bring out their connection to patriarchal sexuality.

We introduce alternative models where the Feminine in individuals and the society was seen as sacred. Where sexuality was seen as sacred. We explore new ways of connecting with our bodies and sexuality that lead to healthier relationships with ourselves and with others around us.

Deeper Dimensions of Gender-Based Violence