Positive Masculinity and Gender Sensitivity

Recently I had the opportunity to be part of a training of men and boys on positive masculinity and Gender Sensitivity. I think it was the first time I heard the term ' positive masculinity ' and I was elated at the thought of what the term meant. As we discussed about this term and Gender Sensitivity i knew I had to share it. I believe that all males should exude positive masculinity which would enable them help themselves and others around them to become better and attain their full potentials in life. So what is positive masculinity?

Let's start by defining Masculinity. Masculinity involves having the qualities or attributes typical to a man. Three core attributes of positive masculinity are;

1. A battle to fight : this is the desire to achieve success i.e. business , family, building, feeding, shelter etc.

2. An adventure to live: excitement, doing things considered to be difficult or dangerous. For men most times it is about the process than the end result

3. A beauty to pursue : Every man wants a beautiful woman by his side, for companionship, sometimes to show off and for sexual reasons.

we can say a man exudes positive masculinity when he exhibits these attributes positively. Another aspect of positive masculinity is gender sensitivity. This involves having proper knowledge of gender matters and equal gender appreciation. To understand positive masculinity more, we can try to explain Negative masculinity.

There are four big lies associated with masculinity, the society sells these rather than the 3 important attributes.

1. Sex: Sex is something we do, not something we are, sex does not define a man

2. Power: exerting power over others does not make you a man. Instead respect and attention gives real authority and influence

3. Money : Does not make a man and the three attributes of masculinity does not depend on money

4. Boys don't cry : Sharing disappointments with family and friends does not take away the masculinity in a man. All human beings have feelings and emotions.

Credit : Mrs Ladi Wayi