Coalition on Men and Boys: new report

The Coalition on Men and Boys (COMAB) is making its new report Man Made: Men, masculinities and equality in public policy available today ahead of the official launch in November.

report cover The report provides a unique in-depth picture of the current circumstances of men and boys in the UK, focusing on the key themes of work, fatherhood, health, education and violence. It argues that public policies and services should address men, boys and masculinity in a more sophisticated way, and explores the opportunities and challenges in involving men and boys in gender equality strategies. It concludes with a comprehensive range of recommendations for the development of policy and practice.

COMAB, formerly the Men's Coalition, brings together Action for Children, Relate, the Men's Health Forum, the Fatherhood Institute, Respect, Men's Advice Line, the White Ribbon Campaign, and Bradford University's Research Unit on Men and Masculinities.

Men have 'great potential'

MHF CEO Peter Baker, who is also the current chair of the COMAB, says: 'The Coalition is the only UK based organisation that addresses masculinity issues across the range of public policy and advises government and other policymaking and service delivery agencies on them.

'COMAB recognises that men and boys have great potential to contribute positively to strategies in relation to parenting and caring, relationships, health, work, education and violence, and that many are already doing so. We believe public policies should engage more explicitly with masculinity issues, within the context of moving towards greater gender equality. We aim to encourage support and responsibility amongst men and boys for measures to tackle discrimination and gender-based violence, and to work in active collaboration with women's organisations.'

The launch event, at which Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is expected to speak will take place in November in Westminster. Meanwhile, the whole report, the executive summary or individual sections can be downloaded from the COMAB website. Register for the event at info@comab.org.uk.