Who are these men we are talking about?

That was the question that constantly reverberated through the room as we discussed, "If men are in, who are out". A very active session, where clearly people had very strong views on men and their role in society, their power, their abuse thereof, their culture and how they percieve themselves. The dialogue focused session touched on numerous issues, which I do not propose to report on, but rather give my thoughts as they were shaped through the session.

Through the discussion, I see two approaches to the question of who is this man? A top down approach, of stereotyping (to an appropriate depth is useful for decision making) different groupings of men to allow the development of an intervention with men. I prefer the bottom up approach, seeing what developmental issue needs to be solved, identifying the stakeholders, of which some groupings will be men and then planning the interventions.

For many, the issue of power was central. Men need to give up power. As a man, I probably need to evaluate this deeper within myself, however the immediate question arises why? A demand to give up power, usually is not a problem with power but rather the abuse of that power. To whom will that power be given and will they wield it well? For many this view of how power was used, rather than who has power, felt I was missing the point.

While women struggle in their development due to men, until we bring men on board, we will never achieve the development of women and children. Perhaps it is the emancipation of men from themselves, that is needed for men to be truly free. However we view it, until men see the need for change, they are less likely to want to change.