With support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) China and the French Embassy, China White Ribbon Volunteers Network launched the “Men Talk Story” activity on May 11 in Beijing. Designed as a series of engaging public forums at various places,, “Men Talk Story” aims at promoting public awareness of healthy gender norms and actions to challenge gender stereotypes through storytelling by men who are pioneers in demonstrating values of gender-equitable norms in different capacities. 

Ten “gender equitable” men with diverse backgrounds will be speaking at the public forums in communities and university campuses. They  represent opinion leaders, activists and ordinary people including teachers, nurses and household husbands. Through sharing their personal stories related to gender equality, such as empowering and supporting women, fighting against gender-based violence and  alternative gender practices, they are to inspire the public to reflect on different ways of “being a man”. 

At the first session of Men Talk Story series, , Mr. Deng Fei, the founder of the famous charity programme known as "Free Lunch for Children", shared his story to promote gender equality as a journalist by reporting on the vulnerabilities facing left-behind girls in rural areas and migrant women. Mr. Wei Jiangang, the Managing Director of Beijing Gender Health Education Institute spoke about the importance of non-discrimination principle in promoting diversity and equality in gender identity and sexuality. 

“I hope the Men Talk Story will help to strengthen social norms leading to healthy masculinities and gender equality, and the elimination of gender-based violence, homophobia and other oppressions that are intertwined with hegemonic masculinity,” said Mr. Peng Jiong, Assistant Representative of UNFPA China. 

Last year UNFPA released findings of  two Masculinities and Gender-based Violence in China (the quantitative one took place in a county in central China), which are a part of the UN Multi-county Study on Men and Violence in Asia and the Pacific supported by Partners for Prevention. The findings revealed that unequal power relations between men and women are still deeply embedded in gender norms in China, which are the root causes of violence against women. The research highlighted the importance to promote positive male role models that are non-violent, gender equitable, and encourage respect and equality in the process of fostering healthy gender norms. 

“I hope that storytelling by men will be a powerful tool to spark conversations about diversified masculinities and what men can do in the fight against gender based violence,” said Mr. Fang Gang, the member of the UN Secretary-General’s Network of Men Leaders from China, and the founder of China White Ribbon Volunteers Network. 

With support from UNFPA and others, the China White Ribbon Volunteers Network provides Hotline (4000 110 391) counselling services to those who experienced violence, who perpetrated violence and those who are inclined to commit acts of violence. The group is also dedicated to public campaigns to raise awareness on gender-based violence, especially on what men can do to prevent and respond to violence.