This Tuesday, November 19, the National System for Assessment, Accreditation and Certification of Educational Quality (Cynic), an entity attached to Ministry of Education (Minedu) to share a message on Twitter/X for Men’s Day.
However, some time later, and in the face of criticism from various specialists, they deleted the publication. Other State entities did not share similar content.
Through your official account TwitterJulissa Mantilla, a human rights lawyer, pointed out that these types of stories show “why it’s important to understand what the gender approach is.”
For her part, the journalist Paola Ugaz noted that just one day after reporting that an active police officer, Darwin Condori, was accused of committing femicide, a state entity “celebrates men’s day to end contribute to negative stereotypes.”
Journalist Laura Grados reported that within the Ministry of Culture An email had been sent from human resources about Men’s Day.
“Let’s celebrate the men who contribute every day, with their effort, courage and love, to building a fairer and more equitable society. It is an opportunity to reflect on the fundamental role they play in society, at home and in the work environment, promoting equality and mutual respect,” says the design.
On the same day that several public institutions have mentioned that this Tuesday, November 19, Men’s Day is celebrated, a non-commissioned officer of the Peruvian National Police (PNP), Darwin Condori, was found dead after being accused of committing femicide in against. a young woman of 26 years.
The lawyer told the victim’s relatives that “this case fills them with a lot of helplessness” and, above all, “good”. “This shows, a clear crisis in mental health, that we are completely upset by this decision,” he explained in an interview with Panamericana.
Precisely, the personalities who criticized the publications of the entities remember that women in Peru are in a vulnerable situation, because of the violence against them.
According to a report by the Office of the Ombudsman, 121 women have lost their lives so far in 2024. In 18 of these cases, the victims were initially reported missing.
Darwin Condori took his own life and will not be responsible for the death of Sheyla Cóndor, a young woman who was murdered, deported and her remains put in a suitcase.he International Men’s Day being commemorated every 19 November. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) seeks to address the specific health needs of men and boys.
This date was started in 1992 thanks to Thomas Oasterdirector of the Men’s Studies Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas, having expanded worldwide since 1999. His goal is to emphasize the positive aspects of men’s role in society and encourage a more inclusive view of masculinity.
Ingeborg Brainsrepresentative of the UNESCO and the director of the Women and Cultúir na Síochána program, he supported the creation of this day as a way to balance celebration between genders, emphasizing its potential to foster mutual understanding and tolerance.
The The World Health Organization (WHO), from his, he emphasized the importance of including men’s lower life expectancy in health equity agendas.
How can public entities better address gender issues in their communications and celebrations?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Gender Studies Expert Dr. Sofia Morales
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Morales. The recent controversy surrounding the National System for Assessment, Accreditation and Certification of Educational Quality—Cynic’s social media post for Men’s Day has sparked quite a debate. From your perspective, what are the primary concerns with celebrating Men’s Day in this context?
Dr. Sofia Morales: Thank you for having me. The primary concern lies in the timing and manner of the celebration. On the very same day that reports surfaced of a police officer, Darwin Condori, being accused of femicide, a national entity chooses to celebrate Men’s Day without acknowledging the ongoing issues of violence against women. This creates a dissonance, portraying a skewed narrative that undermines the very real struggles that women face in our society.
Time.news Editor: It seems that many experts and activists were quick to condemn the Cynic’s post. What do you think the message was intended to convey, and why do you believe it backfired?
Dr. Sofia Morales: The message likely aimed to honour positive contributions of men in society, which in itself is valid. However, it completely misses the mark by failing to contextualize these contributions within the prevailing social issues. Given the backdrop of increasing violence against women, highlighting Men’s Day in such a public forum without mentioning the need for accountability and change sends a harmful message. It perpetuates stereotypes rather than challenging them.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the reactions were swift. Notably, Julissa Mantilla pointed out the need to better understand the gender approach. Can you elaborate on what that entails?
Dr. Sofia Morales: Absolutely. A gender approach in social and institutional contexts means recognizing and respecting the different experiences, roles, and expectations of different genders. It involves not just celebrating men but also critically examining societal structures that lead to gender-based violence and discrimination. This approach promotes a discourse that is inclusive, reflective, and ultimately transformative, challenging harmful stereotypes rather than reinforcing them.
Time.news Editor: We’ve also seen reactions from journalists like Paola Ugaz, which express frustration over the insensitivity of such celebrations in light of current events—a sentiment echoed by Laura Grados regarding Ministry of Culture communications. How can public entities better navigate these sensitive issues?
Dr. Sofia Morales: Public entities have a responsibility to be socially aware and sensitive. They need to engage in meaningful dialogues about gender issues rather than superficial celebrations. This means listening to community concerns, educating themselves on gender dynamics, and releasing statements or content that fosters understanding and equality instead of division. Collaborating with gender experts and activists could also help in crafting messages that are both celebratory and responsible.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the vulnerability of women in Peru, highlighting some alarming statistics about violence against women. How does this data influence public conversations about gender, especially on days like Men’s Day?
Dr. Sofia Morales: The statistics are sobering, and they highlight a critical crisis that necessitates urgent action. Public conversations must shift towards recognition of these realities—not only to celebrate men’s roles positively but also to address the roles that men must play in combating violence against women. Engaging men in discussions about responsibility, mental health, and societal change is crucial. Men’s Day should not be merely a celebratory occasion; it should also serve as a call to action for men to support gender equality and stand against violence.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales. Your insights shed light on the complexities of gender discussions, particularly during sensitive times. As we wrap up, what message do you hope public institutions take from this incident?
Dr. Sofia Morales: I hope public institutions recognize the importance of empathy in communication. They should understand that their words carry weight and can influence perceptions about gender roles significantly. Moving forward, I urge them to prioritize inclusivity and social responsibility in all their narratives and to be mindful of the current social climate. Celebrating without context can cause more harm than good, particularly in a society struggling with grave issues like gender-based violence.
Time.news Editor: That’s a profound takeaway. Thank you for your thoughtful reflections today, Dr. Morales. It’s essential to keep these conversations alive as we work towards a more equitable society.