As I wrote in my previous post, I believe that it is important to provide positive images of masculinity. Such images can model and encourage good behaviour, which is surely more productive than simply complaining about bad behaviour. The recent issue of Oxfam’s journal Gender and Development (http://www.genderanddevelopment.org/page/current-issue) features articles about programs that do just that. The issue includes an article about HealthBridge’s work to promote male involvement in family planning in India and Vietnam. Contributors also make the important point that “gender” and “women” are not the same, that when working for better gender equality it is important to involve men, and that men have genuine issues that we should address so as to invite them into our programs rather than alienate them. And refreshingly, the articles are not written in academic style! I hope in a few years it will be such common sense to treat men as partners rather than villains that people will find it amusing that anyone ever published a journal on the topic of “Working with men on gender equality.” Of course…how else would we achieve it???