Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 30, 2010 (SKNIS): The Department of Gender Affairs is heightening its profile in its outreach to men.
 
Male focal point in the ministry of Social Services, Community and Gender Affairs Troy Watson said the department has had several interventions geared at empowering men to handle issues that affect them. Activities are now focused on raising the awareness of what the ministry offers, in an attempt to get men mobilized to take advantage of its programmes.
 
Mr. Watson referred to the department’s most recent launch of the (Caribbean Male Action Network) CARIMAN initiative, the goal of which is to engage men to exchange their views regarding the issues of life in a non-threatening manner and forum that allows “men to be men”. The group of men advocate particular principles as a way of life for men.
 
The CARIMAN initiative is implemented under response to UNIFEM’s Strengthening State Accountability Programme dubbed “Champions for Change” which encourages men to advocate for gender equality. The initial meeting was held on Monday June 14.

Mr. Watson explained that the work of his ministry has evolved over the years as they seek to fine tune programmes to make them more meaningful and impactful based on the real needs of society rather than stereotypical assumptions.

He explained that officers in the ministry have to be extremely flexible as any number of issues can affect male–female and other interpersonal relationships. He added for example that a man who may be having domestic issues may actually be dealing with feelings of inferiority on the job which translate into dominance or withdrawal at home. That discussion may turn out to be a counseling session on finance. 
 
Another initiative which the ministry is soon to roll out is the Alternatives to Violence Programme geared at enhancing relationship skills among former perpetrators of violence. This programme, being facilitated by Peace Corp volunteer Mr. Mike Fallahey, has the objective of training trainers. It will prepare interested individuals in the society to conduct sessions with men who need this type of intervention.
 
The ministry representative said that he welcomes men of all persuasions to get involved in what the ministry is doing and to get their voices heard among their peers and counterparts. He added that this open forum for men is a giant step in securing their identity and by extension their capacity for relating in the wider setting.