“ManEnough?” Program
CCASA “ManEnough?” Program
CCASA is committed to the prevention of sexual violence by bringing awareness to root causes and foundational beliefs that perpetuate these types of crimes, many of which are connected to traditional ideals of masculinity. This is the philosophy that drives our “ManEnough?” program.
What is the “ManEnough?” Program All About?
The “ManEnough?” program is comprised of eight modules which are carefully chosen to include varying topics to facilitate a conversation around masculinity and healthy relationships. In addition, each module is carefully structured to meet certain objectives wherein participants will explore, analyze and gain insights into different dimensions of the existing perception of masculinity and its relation with gender equality.
In the “ManEnough?” program, men will be provided with a safe space to speak on issues related to the societal view of masculinity and its relation to a culture accepting of sexual violence.
The program name “ManEnough?” is a play on the kind of empty rhetoric commonly used to challenge a man’s masculinity to “man up” or to be “man enough”. The “?” at the end of the title is there to portray that we need to question what “man enough” actually means. By deconstructing how contemporary masculinity negatively affects us all, we can challenge young men to forgo the pressures to adhere to violent and competitive stereotypes commonly associated with masculinity and empower them to define, for themselves, what it means to be a man.
Why the “ManEnough?” Program?
Historically Sexual Violence has been framed as a “women’s issue,” which has allowed a large portion of the population, men, to distance themselves from the issue. More recently, engaging men and boys has been recognized as an important component of creating communities free from sexual violence. Since June 2012 CCASA has been working to create a compelling community for men to explore how they align with the notion of challenging violent masculinity and ending violence against women. CCASA believes that men and boys have a crucial role to play when it comes to ending violence against women.
Our Objectives
The “ManEnough?” Program is designed to assist men in the development of the skills, language, and tools needed to confidently and effectively challenge attitudes and beliefs that support violence against women in addition to assisting men in getting involved in the the work to end gender based violence in our communities. The program operates with an emphasis on meeting men where they’re at and tapping into the already present sense of empathy most men have but haven’t been encouraged to explore.
“ManEnough?” Module Descriptions
The “ManEnough?” Program has been organized into eight modules:
Module One: Thinking Outside The Box
By the end of Module One participants will have a basic understanding of masculinity as a social construct and be able to evaluate gender stereotypes which perpetuate oppressive beliefs and attitudes that are the foundation for abusive behaviors.
Module Two : Gender and Healthy Sexuality
By the end of Module Two participants will feel comfortable discussing concepts of gender, sex, and orientation as they relate to sexuality and consent which fosters and encourages the development of healthy relationships. Participants will also be able to further analyze how gender stereotypes perpetuate oppressive beliefs and attitudes that are the foundation for abusive behaviors.
Module Three: Male Privilege
By the end of Module Three participants will have begun to explore how male privilege manifests within their own lives and begin to understand why it is so important for men to explore this privilege. Intersectionality is an important part of this module as well as navigating moments when participants might feel challenged.
Module Four: Men’s Violence Against Women Part 1
By the end of Module Four participants will have a basic understanding of men’s violence against women and other men. Participants will be able to identify ways in which content learned in prior modules helps them to recognize and evaluate why and how attitudes and beliefs that support violence continue to exist. Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence Myths, Rape Culture, and Consent are the key components focused on in this module.
Module Five: Men’s Violence Against Women Part 2
By the end of Module Five participants will begin to understand the greater impact and more complete picture of sexual violence, specifically relating to how Power and Control plays a significant role in this type of violence.
Module Six: Male Culture and Media
By the end of Module Six participants will be able to use knowledge gained from previous modules on topics such as gender stereotypes, oppression, and sexism that perpetuate attitudes and beliefs that support the use of abusive behaviors to critically analyze the media that they consume.
Module Seven: Pornography
By the end of Module Seven participants will have an understating of the ways in which their own sexuality can develop based on exposure to pornography and will have some tools to thoughtfully and critically explore their own use and understanding of pornography.
Module Eight: What Can We Do?
By the end of Module Eight participants will have the skills needed to challenge oppressive attitudes and beliefs that are the foundation for abusive behaviors and will feel empowered to explore alternative constructions of masculinity that promote equality.
How to participate in the “ManEnough?” program?
If you identify as male and are interested in finding out more about the “ManEnough?” program or are interested in signing up to be a participant in this discussion group, please contact CCASA at info@calgarycasa.com or call our Support and Information Line at 403-237-5888.
