What does it mean to truly engage men in the fight for gender equality in the Pacific? With Dr. Mercy Masta, Research Fellow at the ANU's Department of Pacific Affairs, we delve into her research that challenges established gender equality discourse in the region. Mercy argues that to foster genuine change, we must incorporate men's perspectives and cultural practices into gender discussions, rather than viewing them solely as obstacles. She also emphasises the importance of recognising existing power dynamics and privileges within Pacific communities, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to development.

Mercy tackles the Lab's hypothetical, offering advice to Australian development program managers on how to truly transform their approach to gender equality in the Pacific.

Read Mercy's thought-provoking blog "Gender Equality, The Pacific Way" here: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/gender-equality-pacific-way. The original Women Leading and Influencing piece is accessible here: https://assets-global.website-files.com/649226efa5faed5901e05da6/654e6dab39679ed7588af3aa_REPORT_Engaging%20men%20in%20support%20of%20women%27s%20leadership%20in%20the%20Pacific.pdf

Other content that we spoke about:

Ezra Klein from the NYT podcast, speaking on masculinity.

• Aug 16th, 2024 - “Manliness, Cat Ladies, Fertility Panic and the 2024 election” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwtztNS8H_U
• Aug 27th, 2023 - “Best of: The Men — and Boys — Are Not Alright” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-the-men-and-boys-are-not-alright/id1548604447?i=1000666761830

Tyson Yunkaporta - “Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save The World” https://redkangaroobooks.au/products/sand-talk-how-indigenous-thinking-can-save-the-world-by-tyson-yunkaporta?srsltid=AfmBOop1kYlhiQ5rGgqxKrFSpZjwAGZ_QaE_oeSHewy1Nk7gk2Cw9fSp

Dr Salmah Eva-Lina Lawrence - “The Majority World - what’s in a phrase” https://www.devintelligencelab.com/readout/s6-salmahlawrence

The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.

Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysis

The Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.

Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi.

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