Multiple Masculinities in an Urban World and Implications for Struggle in Gender Justice

The session saw experts from civil society platform and MenEngage Delhi platform deliberate on the theme of multiple masculinities in an urban world. Suneeta Dhar from Jagori set the background for the discussion on the involvement of men in the struggle for gender justice. Satish Singh from CHSJ outlined that  it has been discerned from CHSJ’s work that the biggest challenge that remains in the struggle for gender justice is ‘Patriarchy’ and ‘Hegemonic Masculinity’. Patriarchy exists because of hegemonic masculinities. Adding on to the discussion Manak Matiyani from YP foundation reflected that there is an assumption that ‘masculinity’ gives power but it does not give one power instead it gives ‘entitlement.’ Hegemonic masculinity is about feeling entitled to power but not having the power. Ahmad Faraz coordinator of the MenEngage Delhi network illustrated through the interaction of the network across colleges in Delhi that urban settings like Delhi have multitudes of masculinities which are drastically different and diverse. The notions of masculinity are deeply rooted in practice and discourse. The discussion wrapped up on a note that the whole work of masculinities is focussing on inclusiveness. 

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