Building a Future of Equality & Responsible Masculinity

Building a Future of Equality & Responsible Masculinity

Over three powerful days, 27 boys from the mountains came together to question stereotypes, rethink masculinity, and explore their role in building a just and equal society. Held from November 1–3, 2025, at D Canal Hotel, Kandi, Dharamshala, the workshop brought together participants from Dharamshala and Nagrota Suriyan (Kangra) and Mehla and Tissa (Chamba). Facilitated by Byomkesh Parida from the YP Foundation, Delhi, and organized by Jagori Rural Charitable Trust, the sessions delved into conversations on gender, patriarchy, power, and the many layers of masculinity. Participants reflected on the idea of a “real man,” differentiated between toxic and positive masculinity, and discussed how societal expectations shape behaviour and how they can choose differently with empathy and awareness. A session on digital safety sparked meaningful dialogue, as boys shared personal experiences related to gaming losses, scams, cyberbullying, and identity misuse, encouraging responsible online…