For generations, boys and men have faced rigid social expectations that equate manhood with dominance, stoicism, and control. To challenge these long-standing tropes, creators and community leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the MenCare Changemaker Summit. Co-organized in partnership with the WOW Foundation, the event brought together artists, policy makers, and youth across major cultural venues to reimagine how media and culture frame male identity.
Reframing Manhood in the Heart of Rio de Janeiro
The summit transformed iconic venues in Rio into active spaces for dialogue, dance, and workshops. Organizers designed the festival to ensure young men and boys had dedicated spaces to discuss their lived experiences and personal growth. Attendees included local youth, policy advocates, and members of the homeless community, establishing an inclusive environment rooted in broad participation.
Replacing Dominance with Care as a Cultural Default
While female empowerment movements have offered a clear guiding vision for women and girls, boys often lack constructive alternatives to traditional masculinity. Summit speakers argued that centering care offers a vital solution to interpersonal and structural violence. Rather than viewing manhood as a rigid set of rules, the discussions emphasized values like tenderness, empathy, friendship, and shared responsibility.
The Critical Role of Artists and Storytellers
Cultural change relies heavily on visible examples. Throughout the gathering, musical acts and performance artists modeled new portrayals of emotional openness. Storytellers, educators, and health professionals were called on to embed these principles into everyday environments—from classrooms and screenplays to online spaces and parliaments. When media platforms present caring men as normal and valuable, real-world behaviors follow.
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