Empowering Youth: Cancún Initiative Redefines Masculinities

In Cancún, a collaborative effort between state, municipal, and educational authorities has led to approximately 5,000 young individuals participating in discussions about new masculinities. Miroslava Reguera Martínez, the head of the Municipal Institute of Women (IMM), stated that these conversations have been held at five to six high schools in Cancún, in partnership with the Quintana Roo Institute of Women (IQM).

These proactive measures against gender violence are part of the training course titled "New Masculinities for the Promotion of a Culture of Equality and Non-Violence against Women". This course has been delivered to 200 students from the College of Scientific and Technological Studies (CECyTE) Plantel II. Gabriel Ernesto Cortázar Magaña, the head of this institution, emphasized the significance of coordinated efforts to foster a culture of equality and non-violence, thereby creating safe environments for the academic growth of young people.

New masculinities refer to evolving perceptions of "being a man". This includes breaking the association between masculinity and violence, advocating for rights in a cooperative rather than dominant manner, enhancing communication, sharing domestic responsibilities, and ensuring equal opportunities, as outlined by UN Women.