Transforming Masculinity Workshop, Malawi. 8 to 12 November

WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES À“ ECUMENICAL HIV&AIDS INITIATIVE IN AFRICA
WORKSHOP ON ‘TRANSFORMATIVE MASCULINITY’      
KAMBIRI LODGE, SALIMA, MALAWI
8TH -12TH NOVEMBER 2010

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
For the past few years, WCC-EHAIA Southern Africa has put a considerable focus on ‘Transformative Masculinities’ through workshops, seminars, development of resource material and intercontinental sharing. The previous two workshops, a national one held in Lesotho and a regional one held in Swaziland, have been very effective is giving men the space to discuss issues pertaining to themselves, in the current era of HIV, and in unpacking much of the negative stereotyping of men, which has had a detrimental impact on men’s engagement in issues of ‘gender.’  

Men are so often vilified and gender issues tend to be very negative towards men, yet not all men are promiscuous, wife beaters, abusers etc. Most men care about their families and communities and issues of HIV are of great concern to them. The workshop seeks to build on these strengths and explore some of the many challenges that men are faced with, and the difficult expectations they have to live up to. It seeks to affirm men and find ways of transformation that are life-giving.

THIS WORKSHOP
This workshop, kindly hosted by the Malawi Council of Churches, will be a regional workshop involving participants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and Rwanda.

VENUE: Kambiri Lodge, Senga Road, Salima (by the Lake) Malawi

DATES: Arrival 8th November, departure 12th November 2010

CONTENT:
The following are the topics which will be addressed through a panel of excellent speakers:

–       Each day will commence with a training in Contextual Bible Study methodology on issues of masculinity
–       Men’s health, Men and HIV, circumcision
–       The socialization of men and vulnerabilities
–       Culture and masculinity
–       The Bible and masculinity
–       Men as the problem and men as the solution
–       Men as Fathers and ‘the Father wound’
–       Men and violence
–       The role of women in shaping masculinities
–       Men and leadership

In addition there will be examples of masculinity À“focused programmes from the region.
It is hoped also to undertake an exposure visit to a centre where the socialization process of boys/men using rites of passage is demonstrated through cultural dance performances.

Places on the workshop are limited and participants have been selected on the basis of current expertise and areas of influence, as well as willingness to engage and share experiences, to enhance the value for everyone present.

CONTACT PERSONS

WCC-EHAIA:   ehaia@mweb.co.zw ; sueparry@mweb.co.zw
Dr Sue Parry Regional Coordinator Southern Africa
Mrs Christine Chapwanya: PA Southern Africa office: Tel +263 4 250660

Malawi Council of Churches:
Rev Bossman S. Chitheka (Acting Gen Sec); Rev Dr Osborne Joda- Mbewe