Our vision is of ... the positive role of men

Despite the fact that males in Northern Ireland constitute almost half of the population, they are rarely given much attention until they are seen as a problem. More often than not, it is only the negative aspects of their lives that are highlighted. At best, there is an assumption that we live in a ‘man’s world’ and, therefore, males do not have any specific needs. At worst, ‘men’s issues’ are viewed as a threat to women’s development.

We know that males have a shorter life expectancy than females, under-perform in school, are less likely to seek medical help while a condition can be treated, are most likely to be both the perpetrator and the victim of a violent crime, and are more likely to die from suicide. Yet, despite this, there is no ‘men’s sector’ in Northern Ireland, and there are very few groups that work exclusively with men and boys. There are even fewer who receive any funding or support from statutory sources to carry out this work.

This is an under-researched, under-resourced and under-developed area, which lacks a solid infrastructure. Men’s needs and issues are not being clearly articulated and understood - mostly because there is no one with the time and remit to do so.

Given the dearth of funding / resources offered to men’s work, a small amount of support will make a huge difference. Sometimes this does not even require financial input as a shift in culture, focus and operating systems can bring wide-reaching positive outcomes.

In order to realise our vision of a Northern Ireland where the positive role of men is valued and encouraged politicians and political parties should:

• Commission new research into the needs of men, young men and boys, and ensure the systematic collation of existing data. For example, create a Northern Ireland version of “Social Focus on Men” (from the Office for National Statistics). Ensure that men’s issues and needs are reflected in government departments’ Gender Action Plans. At present, this is often not the case.
• Adopt a Men’s Health and Well-Being Policy for Northern Ireland similar to the one already in existence in the Republic of Ireland. This would provide a much needed framework against which to measure if the needs of men and boys are being met. This should include specific targets to increase male life expectancy and improve male health. It should also include the establishment of support services to help males deal with times of crisis, build resilience, and promote their mental health / awareness of their human rights, from a young age.
• Develop innovative models of parenting education for fathers, and ensure that existing family support services actively include male carers in their provision. Ensure that all policies and procedures connected to family law are based upon equality of treatment, and that the training of relevant professionals reflects this.
• Provide sufficient resources to pilot new approaches to engaging men in adult education programmes and improve the educational outcomes for young men. Promote the recruitment and retention of male workers in ‘non-traditional’ professions.
• Underwrite dedicated support services for male victims (and their children) of domestic abuse and violence, and introduce programmes to support men and young men to move away from societal violence.
• Promote parental leave by encouraging firms to enable fathers to take their leave entitlement.