It Takes Two: Men take to their heels
On 1st May, 2009, a number of men in Boise, Idaho, took to the roads wearing high heels. No, this isn’t the latest fashion trend for men; in fact, these men, who are part of the Men Today Men Tomorrow organisation were marching to protest against violence towards the women all over the world.
Men Today Men Tomorrow more popularly known as the MT2 is unique, in that it invites men to step forward and join the movement to curb violence against women. These men strive to dismantle practices that oppress women in any way. Since its inception back in 2004, MT2 has been involved with many such activities which defy societal structures belittling women and strive to bring about a change in the attitudes of men towards women.
Nikki Houston from the ArbiterOnline reports, "The MT2‘s message is simple: Respect women. The group hopes to bring awareness to men today and serve as role models for the younger male generation, educating boys and young men to respect women."
MT2 member Bryan Lyda puts it very succintly, "Violence against women has always been considered a women’s issue. It’s time to hold men accountable for their actions." As Lyda further adds, "If I’m at a bar and I see a guy trying to get up on a drunk lady, I’m going to step in."
Respect for a women is the first step towards reducing violence against women, for one must treat women as equals. Unless exisitng power structures are razed to the ground, gender violence will still haunt us. Men involving other men and boys and creating dialogue spaces around the issue is what the need of the hour is. And this, is exactly what Bell Bajao as a campaign is working towards. Our campaign to involve men in the conversation and action around ending domestic violence against women makes our concern a universal concern. Because women’s rights are human rights.
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Photo courtesy: Nikki Houston of Arbit Online
Tagged domestic violence, gender
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