India has 230 million men under the age of 18, making up a considerable portion of our demographic dividend. Young men represent a significant portion of our population and they need to realise their own potential and in their own right. Work in this field looks to support organisations and initiatives that focus on young men and boys in transforming their attitudes and behaviours and unequal gender relations. We also aim to support work that does not see men as instruments for women’s empowerment; and work that does not marginalise women and girls in gender equity work either.
OPPORTUNITIES
In India, the masculine identity is inextricably tied to traditional male breadwinner models and the ability to espouse power through social and economic roles in society. As global shifts in the nature of work take root in India as well, we worry that these trends will exacerbate gender-based conflict, leaving men more frustrated and women with worse choices. Accelerating meaningful engagement with men and boys is a critical pathway to gender equality and equity.
There’s a need to create spaces for young men and boys to speak, to share and to grow. A critical pathway to gender equality and equity is to invest in programs that accelerate meaningful engagements with men and boys.