Community development: a gendered activism? The masculinities question

This article describes the development of work on masculinity in the context of Nicaragua and more gender-aware development work. The argument is made that sustainable and real changes in the lives and social context of women will not be possible without an accompanying focus on the role of men and the need for changed behaviour on the part of men as individuals and collectively. While a small critical mass of men is active in promoting change, a significant 'scaled up' focus on men within public and political institutions is essential to achieve wider structural changes.