ECLAC Caribbean and partners celebrate International Men’s Day

‘Positive Community, Positive Role Models’ is the theme of the event to celebrate two important initiatives, which are the International Men’s Day, and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, jointly organized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the UN system and several civil society organisations. The event will take place at the Enterprise Government Primary School in Cunupia on 24 November 2018 from 12 noon to 5 pm. This event is free and open to the public. It will be a unique opportunity to highlight the important role that men and boys can and should play in societies.

The collaboration was inspired by previous successful partnerships in which ECLAC Caribbean was a major partner. These include the Women’s City Village organized in Port of Spain to celebrate the International Women’s Day on 7 March 2018, and the World Population Day: Community Village in Sangre Grande on 14 July 2018.

This time, the event will focus on the needs and challenges experienced by boys and young men in particular, and will highlight stories of inspirational role models who have overcome some of these challenges. The event will also address key thematic areas in a broader context of gender equality, including youth development, health and wellness, crime and violence prevention, and gender-based violence. By so doing, the event aims to bring a fresh approach and narrative concerning the role of boys and men in societies, particularly in order to put an end to the scourge of violence against women and girls, moving from perpetrators to change makers towards inclusive and sustainable societies with equality.

The event will feature interactive presentations and entertainment from positive role models and different stakeholders at the Government, United Nations, community and local levels. Areas of focus include boys and men’s health and wellness; youth development and positive fatherhood; and conflict and violence prevention. There will also be information booths from more than 25 organisations that will showcase information and provide services that could benefit the community, including free health checks and screening, fitness challenges, as well as dance performances, motorcycle cycle rides, car customization demonstration, and the presence of special guests, Voice, The Artiste, Nigel Paul, Jason Reece of Bad Granny show, Mtima Solwazi, The 2 Cents Movement, and much more.