Deadline: Global Symposium on Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality

The Global Symposium on Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality will take place in Rio de Janeiro, March 30 – April 3, 2009. Four hundred fifty participants from around the world will share their work in applied research, policy, and program development. Their work challenges rigid gender norms and engages men and boys in reducing violence against women and girls, promoting sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and fatherhood and caregiving. The four day Symposium will promote exchange, debate, and planning for action. The event will include:

Plenary and breakout sessions on men and violence; men and health; and men, caregiving, and fatherhood;

* Skills building workshops, abstract presentations, and a Global Village showcasing the work of NGOs, United Nations agencies, governments, foundations and universities; and

* An analysis of current advances in policy that engages men and boys in gender equality. The Symposium will include presentations by policymakers from countries including Brazil, Canada, Norway, South Africa, and Sweden.

* The Symposium will also develop a “Call to Action” for governments to implement policy that engages men and boys in gender equality. The final results of the Call to Action as well as key conclusions from the Symposium will be available after the event on the MenEngage website.

The Global Symposium is hosted by an alliance of non-governmental organizations including Promundo (Brazil), Instituto Papai (Brazil), White Ribbon Campaign Canada, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the MenEngage Alliance, and Save the Children Sweden. The Symposium is organized by a steering committee of 22 organizations from different countries.

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