Preventing violence against women and girls by promoting healthy masculinity; learning and sharing through creative expression.
TORONTO, March 9, 2021 – Today, Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke announces its first-ever male facilitated virtual program ‘ReelReal Men’.
This program engages male-identified youth ages 14-18 in a conversation about gender and social norms that contribute to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and focuses on building healthy masculinity and relationships. The project aims to promote a safe space for youth to build a brotherhood, share their perspectives on manhood, build confidence and support the development of critical analysis. The project is set to start in April 2021 for 10 weeks to male-identified youth across the GTA.
Women’s Habitat believes that patriarchy is the root of GBV and recognizes violence against women and girls to be the most prevalent form of GBV. Half of all women in Canada have experienced a form of sexual or physical violence.
“We believe this conversation must take place within a problem-solving context, which must be an all-encompassing gender inclusive process. Gender based violence can only be addressed when we all work together, in solidarity.” shared Carla Neto, Community Programs Manager and creator of the project.
The RealReel Men program is set to be delivered virtually by co-facilitators Khalil Dorival and Kyle Rushton. Dorival is a Mental Wellness Coach, Author, Spiritual Leader, and has been awarded an “Invisible Hero” by Toronto Police Services & Child Care Services. “Being part of this program is the start of changing the narrative of what means to be a … Real Man!” says Dorival. Rushton is a Mindset and Personal Development Life Coach and says “being part of this program is important to me because I have personally experienced the negative effects of unhealthy masculinity. My hope is to support these young men in their development in an effort to cultivate a remarkable future for all of us.”
The project has been generously funded by the Modern Mystery School and The Hustler Young Men’s Bible Class Foundation. Both program sponsors have a long history of supporting Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke.
-30-
About Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke
Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke is a community-based feminist organization providing lifesaving support to women and their children who are survivors of violence. Founded in 1978, our emergency shelter provides counselling and safe refuge and our outreach centre, established in 2006, offers a suite of services including group and individual counselling, parenting support and housing assistance.
For more information please contact Sojie Tate, Communications and Human Resource Manager state@womens-habitat.ca 416-576-4447 or visit www.womens-habitat.ca
Leave a Reply