Accessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign InAccessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign In
Voluntary and community groups dealing with men’s issues have come together to share experiences and boost their capacity to influence policy.
It’s not a gang of angry men protesting about access to their children, though that may be one of the issues dealt with.
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has set up the men’s policy forum to discuss issues such as male health and wellbeing, education, domestic violence, men in family life and social inclusion, especially in rural areas.
“If people hear about a men’s organisation they think it’s for men with problems. We need to create a vision for all men and make sure policy-makers take action on it.”
“If you ask people to name a women’s issue, they will probably be able to tell you one,” commented the joint chair, Colin Fowler from The Men’s Project. “But they won’t be able to tell you a men’s issue or they think men don’t have any issues.
For more information contact Paul Mc Gill at NICVA, tel: 028 9087 7777; mobile 0772 1746 805.
The joint chairs of the men’s policy forum are Colin Fowler from The Men’s Project, Parents’ Advice Centre; and Michael McKenna from YouthAction, Northern Ireland. Jonny Currie from NICVA is secretary.
Creation of the new network does not mean that women’s issues are seen as any less important. NICVA already facilitates a women’s policy forum and recognises that women face special problems of exclusion from power and lower earnings.
“Many things that are good for men also have benefits for women and I’m delighted that several women are involved in the new men’s policy forum,” Colin Fowler added.
Organisations interested in the men’s policy forum are welcome to attend the second meeting on Wednesday 7 May at 2.30pm in NICVA’s offices, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB. The main item on the agenda will be the Executive’s new proposals for reorganising health and social services.
Footer
NICVA | 61 Duncairn Gardens | Belfast | BT15 2GB
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue