In NMW.O’s 2017 report, The Heart of Gender Justice in New Mexico, community partners noted that behaviors stemming from toxic masculinity have harmful consequences for women, as well as men. Given the role men and boys play in upholding and reproducing patriarchy, in addition to being harmed by it themselves, engaging them is critical to our gender justice work.
Over the past six months, NMW.O has partnered with Tewa Women United, Together for Brothers and NM Health Equity Partnership to reflect on research needs and begin building a community of practice around healthy masculinities statewide. This September, the coalition gathered, along with partners from Native American Community Academy, Enlace Comunitario and La Plazita Institute to establish our shared values, and explore ways to move this work forward. Through conversation around healthy and toxic masculinities, we shared stories, ideas, moments of healing, meals, and hopes. It was a deep honor to be in community with this powerful group. We are excited to see how this collective work evolves!
Photo: Participants from Tewa Women United, Together for Brothers, NM Health Equity Partnership, Native American Community Academy, Enlace Comunitario, La Plazita Institute, and NewMexicoWomen.Org