This conference provides a space to consolidate diverse perspectives and best practices on transforming masculinity and strengthening a more inclusive ecosystem of gender justice. It examines masculinity both as a social construct shaping how men are expected to think, behave, feel, and relate to others, and as a broader system of values based on power, domination, hierarchy, control, and aggression. Social, economic, cultural, and technological changes have challenged traditional masculine identities, contributing to both positive shifts toward equality and negative responses such as aggression, violence, anti-feminism, and harmful digital cultures. At the same time, masculine values can be reproduced by anyone and embedded in institutions such as families, workplaces, media, law, religion, markets, and the state, contributing to inequality, exclusion, violence, and ecological harm.

Despite these challenges, masculinity is not fixed and can be transformed. Emerging approaches such as “new men” and “new fatherhood,” men’s involvement in care work, collaborative leadership, transformative religious practices, restorative justice, and men’s movements for gender equality demonstrate possibilities for more just, equal, non-violent, and sustainable relationships. The International Conference on The Transformation of Masculinity and Men’s Engagement for Gender Equality and Justice therefore brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, activists, community members, and policymakers to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, critically reflect on current challenges, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration on masculinity transformation in Indonesia and globally.