From choice, a world of possibilities

Men in the Movement: Philip Erick Otieno

I am greatly motivated and inspired by Philip Erick Otieno, the Executive Director of Men for Gender Equality Now and board member of I’m Worth Defending (IWD). Philip has been involved in community violence intervention programs for more than 12 years and is unrelenting in pursuit of social justice. His positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to fight for what is right provides a vision of what is possible for all who interact with Philip.

Men in the Movement: Lucas Villalba

Lucas Villalba has been a part of Red de Jóvenes por la Salud (RJS) since its inception six years ago. RJS brings youth groups from around Buenos Aires, Argentina together to prevent HIV/AIDS and promote youth sexual and reproductive rights. Lucas is from the Lomas de Zamora province, a city in the province of Buenos Aires that is located just south of the capital.

Men in the Movement: Carlos Pavel Smith

There is not soul in Panama's social justice movements that has not been touched by Carlos Pavel Smith. A dependable colleague and friend, Carlos was catapulted into the world of service when he was 14 years old and joined the country's Youth Leadership Movement Foundation. Now 28, Carlos is a respected advocate and mentor who has helped guide thousands of Panamanians toward a better future.

Men in the Movement: Alan Kearl

“What have I done to make you so angry at men?” my dad asked me one day when I was 17 years old. At the time, I was reading a lot of feminist literature and brimmed with anger as I became more aware of the pervasiveness of gender inequality. I assured my dad that he hadn’t done anything wrong, and that having a kind, loving, and supportive father was actually what made me felt strong enough to become an advocate for women.

Men in the Movement: It's Time for Dads to Fight the War on Families

Typically in my blog posts, I focus on the outlier status of being a stay-at-home father: We’re different; we’re outside the norm; other parents don’t trust us to host sleepovers alone; is there a correlation with stay-at-home dads and low testosterone; what is it like to be the only dad at mommy and me yoga/music class/children’s gym class/on the playground.

Men in the Movement: Vasco Leonardo Elizondo

If someone asks for Leonardo Damián Enrique Elizondo, no one will know who that might be; but if they ask for 'Vasco', they’ll soon discover where they can find him. Born and raised in the Don Orione (Claypole) neighborhood, south of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 26-year-old Vasco still lives there with his family.

Vasco became a youth activist to improve the welfare of his community. He works as a health promoter and increases youth engagement in public policy. After studying law at the University of Lomas de Zamora, he decided to get a social work degree at the University of Lanus.

Men in the Movement: Oscar Shapiro

It's probably safe to say that everyone dreads having the sex talk with their parents. But I'm pretty sure mine was especially awkward. It happened when I was in my twenties, long after I'd become sexually active, and the parent I had it with was my dad, who was 81 years old at the time.