„Men and Gender Equality“ Project Competition

Open Estonia Foundation and Ministry of Social Affairs Announce Men and Gender Equality Project Competition

Ministry of Social Affairs and Open Estonia Foundation announce a new project titled Men and Gender Equality. The aim of the project is to trigger discussions on alternative concepts of masculinity. "We are hoping to attract attention to men who are happy spending time with family or friends, not busy building a career at all costs," said Selve Ringmaa, programme coordinator at Open Estonia Foundation. "Men with such alternative attitudes do exist, but they do not get nearly as much coverage as yuppies, which unfortunately regenerate prevailing traditional views on masculinity," Ringmaa added.

A study initiated by Ministry of Social Affairs reported that every third man in Estonia sees men as dominant breadwinners, whereas only every 5th woman is of the same opinion. "Women’s attitude and expectations regarding men have changed considerably over the recent years, but there are a number of men with stone-aged views out there," Ringmaa remarked.

A focal idea of the traditional concept of masculinity is the expectation that a "real" man should be strong and powerful in public as well as in private life, devote himself to career even at the expense of family life and hide his emotions. This kind of thinking creates severe problems for men themselves, be it alcoholism, violence, suppression of emotions or high suicide rate.

Applications may be submitted for producing films, shows, exhibitions, campaigns, demonstrations, happenings or other events, as well as for publications. Detailed instructions are available at the Open Estonia Foundation website http://www.oef.org.ee/et/Uudis/konkurs/. The deadline of submission is April 16.

To date, no project competition specifically targeted at the gender equality of men has been organized in Estonia. Last year, Open Estonia Foundation and Ministry of Social Affairs organized a joint competition "More Women to Politics".

Additional information:

Selve Ringmaa
Open Estonia Foundation
Phone: +372 631 3791
GSM: 55 596 188
selve@oef.org.ee  
www.oef.org.ee  

Maari Ross
Open Estonia Foundation
Phone: +372 631 3791
maari@oef.org.ee  
www.oef.org.ee