A Visit:Men Against Violence and Abuse

In February while cycling my little folding bike in India I paid a visit to MAVA, (Men against Violence and Abuse) at their small office in Mumbai. MAVA work on challenging men’s violence in India. Harish Sadani , the Chief Executive, undertakes education and training, and sets up anti sexist film festivals as part of his mission. He gets support but is very much a one person operation, doing this important work for the last 30 years.

He gave me a copy of “Stories of Young Men Breaking the Chains of Masculinity”, interviews with 30 young men who have undertaken training with MAVA. Here are some quotes from their stories and the commitments they have made to making change:

“I try to be an equal in the family , by doing more cooking, dishwashing clothes washing and House Cleaning.

I undertook mentoring project for 300 students from local schools .” Amol Kane.

“I question traditional religious practices, and oppose patriarchy. I try and be a role model for my younger brother.  I think more about relationships.”   Suraj Pawar

“I attended a week long MAVA camp at Pune University Discussing gender equality in schools. I teach 8th to 12th grade students. Now I never miss an opportunity to discuss gender equality in my regular classes. I review adverts exploiting women’s bodies, and use films and songs to discuss gender issues. ”  Yogesh Kamble

“I do my household chores, and childcare and talk to the neighbours. We set up a creche and playgroup so that mothers can have some free time in the day. MAVA gave me a new vision. “Vijay Vibhad.

“Us men have to find our humanity within.  There are not enough agencies working with men on gender equality issues.” Dhannanjay Sanas

“I treat women and girls with respect and equality,  and have developed more sensitivity. Small acts of treating women with respect and equality matter . Even if I convince one male to become more sensitive I have achieved something. ” Sushant Shindh

When I feel tired, I get inspiration from the ongoing work of MAVA and Harish Sadani, working in a society where they face even more challenges to getting men to hear and understand a message of equality and respect, as well as remembering the response from one woman:

“If you are tired of hearing about men’s violence against women and girls, just think how tired we are of experiencing men’s violence against women and girls.”