The Masculinities Project
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What is The Masculinities Project?
Men and boys often feel pressure to be tough, hide emotions, earn more, and stay in control. These expectations can affect mental health and limit self-expression.
These pressures aren’t set in stone—you can challenge and change them. In The Masculinities Project workshops, we dig into the messages we’ve grown up with about being a man and explore new ways to express masculinity on our own terms.
The Masculinities Project was developed by Monash University and is being delivered for the first time at the University of Melbourne by UMSU.
Upcoming Sessions
Register here for sessions starting on the 16th of October.
What you'll learn:
The program consists of four sessions:
In the first session, we will begin to unpack the messages received about masculinity growing up, and where they come from.
Session 2: Understanding the dominant forms of masculinity
In the second session, we will discuss the social pressures around masculinity that impact our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us. We will also reflect on what masculinity may look like and mean to you.
Session 3: Gender inequality and Gender-based Violence
In the third session, we will explore the connection between masculinity, gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV). We will also explore how you can promote gender equality as an active ally.
Session 4: Your role in prevention
In the fourth and final session, we will discuss the role of men in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence, including challenging rigid ideas around masculinity and taking action in your communities.
Who can participate?
The program was designed for university-aged men. This doesn’t mean non-binary, gender-fluid, or other gender-diverse folk can’t attend - but the content may not be as meaningful.The program looks at men’s experiences, and specifically the social norms that men and boys face growing up.
If you’d like to chat about this further, you can reach out to us at workshops-shrc@union.unimelb.edu.au