Monash experts: New minister in Victoria for Men and Boys
Monash University
The Victorian Government has announced a new Minister for Men and Boys to tackle the manosphere, mental health and family violence. Monash experts have provided a critique in The Conversation including the policies to prioritise in order to engage with the evidence and tackle rising misogyny. These experts are available to discuss their piece and their views on the new ministerial portfolio.
Dr Stephanie Wescott, School of Education, Culture & Society, Monash University Faculty of Education
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
The following can be attributed to Dr Wescott:
“The creation of this portfolio is a clear and necessary acknowledgement of the growing influence of the manosphere on the attitudes and behaviours of boys and young men in Victoria. The harms to girls and women are already being experienced in our schools and communities. This move signals that the Allan Government recognises the urgency of the issue and is prepared to take it seriously.
“It also invites cautious hope that this recognition will translate into sustained, evidence-informed action that meaningfully addresses the drivers of misogyny and supports safer futures for all young people.”
Professor Steven Roberts, School of Social Sciences, Monash University Faculty of Arts
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
The following comments can be attributed to Professor Roberts:
“It’s a welcome and positive step to see more attention given to boys’ and men’s health and wellbeing. There is a growing concern about the influence of the manosphere, both on how it affects boys and men, but also how it inspires them to dominate and harm women, girls and gender diverse people.
“There is an opportunity for the Minister to lead the way in treating men’s health and gender-based violence as related but separate issues. Improving wellbeing is important, but it won’t, on its own, address the gendered drivers of harm. Gender inequality, norms around masculinity, and the way power operates between men and women need to be a central part of the conversation of curtailing misogyny and gender-based violence.”
Dr Naomi Pfitzner, Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Hub
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
The following can be attributed to Dr Pfitzner:
“Gender-based violence requires urgent action as we continue to see the devastating impacts in our community, where lives are lost on a nearly weekly basis. This new portfolio provides an opportunity to take evidence-based action that equips boys and young men to build resilience against harmful manosphere narratives.
“If the Victorian Government wants all children and young people to live lives free from violence, we must challenge and disrupt traditional gender roles and stereotypes at every age.“
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]