The discourse on gender and social justice and the transformation of social relations has become increasingly complex in recent decades. Growing attention to issues of gender-based violence, mental health, socioeconomic inequality, the ecological crisis, and deepening social and political polarization demonstrates that the issue of gender injustice cannot be understood solely as a women’s issue. It is also closely related to how power relations are formed, exercised, and normalized in social life. Although women’s increasing participation in public spheres has had an impact, it has not yet been sufficient to change existing social structures. In fact, it is not uncommon for women to be pushed out or, even if they manage to survive, to assimilate and adopt masculine ways of behaving.
Various studies, program practices, community initiatives, and public policies show that changing gender relations cannot be achieved without involving men as agents of change, while simultaneously critiquing the norms, values, and social structures that shape the way people think and act. In this context, discourse on masculinity and the involvement of men in transforming power relations within unequal social structures is becoming increasingly important. In Indonesia itself, initiatives such as the New Men’s Alliance, the He for She Movement, and various programs to engage men in government and civil society have broadened the space for dialogue regarding the important role of men in social and gender transformation.
A gender justice and equality agenda that focuses solely on women’s empowerment and ignores the fact that men are actors who must be considered and involved can create structural inequalities that become increasingly entrenched. Various studies show that men also face systemic challenges related to rigid masculinity norms. This phenomenon underscores that the construction of rigid masculinity norms not only harms women but also places men in a position of social vulnerability that requires a transformative approach. The complexity of this issue necessitates integrating a masculinity lens to analyze men’s experiences in transitional spaces and social organizations.
This conference serves as a space for strategic consolidation to bring together diverse perspectives and best practices in the transformation of masculinity, with the aim of strengthening a more inclusive and collaborative ecosystem of gender justice. This conference examines masculinity on two levels. First, masculinity as a social construct imposed on men, which shapes expectations regarding how men should think, behave, act, feel, and relate to others. Changes in economic structures, the transformation of gender roles, the increasing participation of women in the public sphere, and the disruption caused by digital technology have shaken the foundations of traditional masculine identity. These changes have triggered a crisis of masculinity for men. While some men respond to these changes positively by negotiating a more egalitarian identity, others respond with control, aggression, violence, or a backlash against the gender equality agenda. Phenomena such as the manosphere, alpha male culture, the incel movement, chronic male loneliness, mental health crises, and the rise of anti-feminist narratives in digital spaces underscore the urgency of this issue.
Second, masculinity is understood as a system of values and social structures that normalizes the use of power, domination, control, hierarchy, and aggression as the primary means of managing social relations. Masculinity, in this sense, can be reproduced by anyone both men and women—and is institutionalized within the family, organizations, the law, the media, religion, the market, bureaucracy, and the state. The main issue is not merely who the actors are, but rather the logic of power relations that operates through these masculine values. A person may be female but still reproduce masculine social structures when operating within a hierarchical, domineering, and exclusive system. Masculinity as a social system operates in many arenas, such as authoritarian leadership, a competitive and extractive work culture, the normalization of violence as a means of conflict resolution, the marginalization of vulnerable groups, and exploitative relationships toward the human body and nature. In this context, masculinity can also be understood as the basis for various forms of inequality, violence, exclusion, and even ecological crises.
Various developments in research, practice, and policy also point to opportunities for transformation. The emergence of discourses on “new men” and “new fatherhood,” men’s involvement in care work, collaborative leadership models, transformative religious practices, restorative justice approaches, and men’s movements for gender equality and justice demonstrate that masculinity is not static. It can be negotiated, transformed, and directed toward social relations that are more just, equal, non-violent, and sustainable. Against this backdrop, the International Conference: The Transformation of Masculinity and Men’s Engagement for Gender Equality and Justice was organized as a space for consolidating knowledge, experiences, critical reflection, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This conference brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, community members, activists, and policymakers to discuss the evolution of knowledge, best practices, challenges, and the future direction of masculinity transformation in Indonesia and around the world.
Masculinity operates not only at the level of individual male identity, but also within social, political, economic, and cultural institutions. This theme is intended to serve as a space for exploring the concept of masculinity as a value system that shapes power relations, hierarchies, and social structures. How do various forms of masculinity influence the reproduction and transformation of power relations in society?
Norms of masculinity in family relationships, parenting, caregiving, and intimate relationships have shaped the division of household roles, emotional expression, parenting responsibilities, and the dynamics of relationships between partners and within families. The emergence of the “new fatherhood” phenomenon—including fathers’ involvement in child-rearing, recognition of caregiving work, paternity leave for fathers when their wives give birth, and the negotiation of a more egalitarian masculinity in private spaces and daily relationships—is important for us to learn from together.
Certain norms of masculinity often encourage the denial of pain, a refusal to seek help, and the suppression of emotions, all of which impact health and well-being. Discussions on this topic cover mental health issues, chronic loneliness, suicide, addiction, risky behaviors, sexual and reproductive health, as well as practices that can foster a healthier and more supportive understanding of masculinity. This theme is intended to explore the relationship between masculinity and physical, mental, and reproductive health, as well as the various forms of vulnerability experienced by men.
Masculine norms based on domination, control, and aggression can contribute to various forms of violence, including gender-based violence, sexual violence, institutional violence, and even violence among men. At the same time, discussions have emerged regarding restorative and transformative justice approaches, legal awareness, offender rehabilitation, and violence prevention strategies focused on changing social structures and relationships. This theme is expected to explore the interconnections between masculinity, violence, and efforts to build transformative justice.
Religion, culture, media, and digital technology serve as key arenas for both the reproduction and transformation of masculinity. Values of masculinity are often shaped and negotiated through religious teachings, cultural norms, media representations, and interactions in digital spaces. The topics covered include discussions on religious masculinity, representations of men in the media, the construction of masculine identity on digital platforms, and phenomena such as the manosphere, alpha male culture, and the incel movement. Additionally, this theme explores the potential of cultural and digital spaces as platforms for building more equitable and transformative counter-narratives.
Masculinity can play a role in leadership, organizational governance, public policy, and broader processes of social change. Authoritarian, competitive, and exclusive leadership models are often rooted in a logic of masculinity that normalizes domination and control. This theme aims to explore alternative models of leadership that are inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in social justice, while connecting them to strategic issues such as the world of work, public policy, peace, migration, disasters, and the climate crisis. Is it possible and if so, how for a transformation of masculinity to contribute to the development of a more just, democratic, and sustainable society?
Call For Abstract Accepting Submission
Abstract Submission Closed
Abstract Review
Selected Abstract Announcement
Presentation File Submission Deadline
Presentation during The International Conference on Transforming Masculinities
Full Paper Submission Deadline
We invite scholars and researchers to present at Universitas Gadjah Mada & Zoom (February 2027). Abstract submission is open until October 2026.
Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Center, Jl. Jambon IV, Kompleks Jatimulyo Indah, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 55242
International Conference on Transforming Masculinities and Engaging Men for Gender Equality and Justice
