On 19th November, Team Saahrise celebrated International Men’s Day through an insightful study circle titled “Boys Will Be Human: Rethinking Masculinity.” The event took place from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM in front of the Gender Studies garden at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
The session was led by Dr. Amna Hafeez Mobeen, Assistant Professor at the Center of Excellence in Gender Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University. She holds a PhD from the National Institute of Pakistan Studies (2025) and has extensive academic and research experience including:
- Research Fellowship, Dept. of Anthropology – University of Texas at Austin (2022)
- MA in Gender & Media – University of Sussex, UK (2010)
- PGDP in Social Studies – University of Warwick, UK (2008)
The study circle was facilitated by Dur E Najaf Zahra, and attended by students from various academic backgrounds including Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology, Criminology, Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and more. This diversity enriched the conversation and highlighted the universal relevance of the topic.
Key Discussion Highlights
The session explored how socially constructed expectations of masculinity often burden men with pressure to fit the image of the “ideal man,” leading to emotional suppression and dehumanization. Participants reflected on commonly associated terms such as:
“Emotionless, Power holder, ATM, Dominative, Strong, Brave, Responsible, Macho, Protector, Primary earner, Machine.”
Some even expressed phrases like:
“مرد کو انسان بننا چاہیے!” (A man should become human)
and “مرد Patriarchy کا victim ہے” (Man is also a victim of patriarchy).
Participants were then asked to rethink and reconstruct masculinity using positive words and phrases—emphasizing emotional intelligence, equality, compassion, responsibility, and humaneness.
Cultural Reflection
Dr. Amna beautifully referenced folk tales such as Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal, highlighting the positive masculinity displayed by Ranjha and Mahiwal—men who were emotionally expressive, respectful, and deeply connected to the women in their lives. This was contrasted with modern-day interpretations of masculinity where ego is often prioritized over emotional depth.
Healthy Interaction & Legal Awareness
A participant’s question regarding the difference between staring and positive eye contact opened an important discussion. The speaker explained how consent and intention determine the difference.
Facilitator Dur E Najaf further elaborated using Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses harassment, including unwanted staring.
Conclusion
One of the key takeaways from the session was:
“Our society is not yet ideal—that is why we celebrate International Women’s and Men’s Days. These days are reminders that gender remains an unresolved question in society.”
The event concluded with a deeply engaging Q&A session. Students remained till the end, reflecting the importance and impact of the discussion. The circle fostered meaningful dialogue on culture, social norms, gender roles, equality, and positive masculinity.
The session was highly informative, thought-provoking, and instrumental in challenging stereotypes while promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Saah rise continues to create safe and progressive spaces for conversations around gender justice.