Demonstrating new ways to drive community impact, Flinders University’s College of Education, Psychology and Social Work has launched a search for inspirational men in South Australia.
In a sharp rejection of toxic masculinity, the International Men’s Day awards offer prizes of $1,000, a trophy and recognition for South Australian men who are serving as positive role models in sport, research, community, teaching and media.
Professor Raj Shekhawat said the awards would showcase the work of men who were making a positive contribution and support the work of the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation in South Australia
“This is an important opportunity to recognise the value of male role models in addressing issues with men’s mental and physical health and make a contribution to fostering positive gender relations,” Professor Shekhawat said.
“With this award we are stepping beyond the conventional boundaries that universities usually use to define their operations. We saw the concern in the community about toxic masculinity and the lack of diversity in male role models and asked what we could do as a university.
“Research has shown the value of positive role models. These awards go a step forward, putting that research into practice in the community by establishing awards that recognise what a great man looks like in 2024.
“This is exactly what universities need to be doing to reconnect with the public – turning research outcomes into positive actions that can have clear impact in the communities we serve.
“We encourage anyone to nominate a man they admire, or equally welcome men to self-nominate, and encourage everyone to take this opportunity to celebrate the men who are making a difference in South Australia,” he says.
