Submitted by shams on 7 February, 2007 - 13:38.
The idea to do this seminar came up after the seminar “The role of young men in changing society” (21-26 September, 2006), which was organized by our Centre with supporting by European Youth Foundation. The participants of this meeting were representatives of youth NGOs from the regions of Azerbaijan got in deep discussions on the terms: masculinity as a socio- cultural construction; stereotypes of traditional masculinity; masculinity and feminine; young men as victims of violence; self- awareness for women and men; the roles of young men in changing societies. At the end of seminar the participants prepared the recommendations for the youth workers who work in the field of educating boys and young men. Youngsters had the opportunity to have a touch on the problems that the world has now and had a chance to reflect their opinions on the issues. Not only was there a majority of women, but also some male participants commented that it was interesting to have the opportunity to sit back and listen to men openly discussing aspects of masculinity.
The seminar arises out of a need to explore issues relating to men and masculinities within the context of gender and development. We feel that the seminar needed to address some of the theoretical and methodological gaps in these debates, for example, the tendency to construct men as 'universal agents' of violence and women as universal victims. The focus is on the origins and characteristics of aggression in the human species; the diversity of masculine identity and agency in conflict situations, including those where men may reject violence; some of the problematic features of current development practice in relation to conflict.
Examination of the current situation shows that there is a great need of enlightens in this sphere. Approaching all above mentioned as problems “SHAMS” Young Women’s Centre consider that it is important to carry out the international seminar for 25 young people from Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Tajikistan. Taking into consideration the importance of all these our organization is going to implement the International Seminar “Men, Masculinities and Gender Relations in Development” for youth leaders, trainers and social workers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Tajikistan. With this next step, we would like to focus on the participation of boys and young men in awareness-raising activities that address the issue of gender-based violence. We continue to focus on terms, to create a common understanding and to lay down conclusions for a more stable way to the prevention of gender- based violence. This seminar will explore the role boys and young men in this violence, as actual or potential victimizers, but also as victims of violence, and as actual or potential advocates of nonviolence and pluralized masculinity.
