One of the important resolutions discussed and approved at the NCW's AGM last January was on the role of men in the promotion of gender equality.

The evolving process of gender equality involves both men and women. Raising awareness of the 'partnership' concept in households where both parents work is becoming more widespread.

However, addressing gender equality from the men's perspective is essential as men have much to give and to gain from gender equality policies.

NCW recommends that:

• the national curricula and lifelong learning initiatives include programmes aimed at producing strategies and practical measures that address the contribution of both parents to family responsibilities;

• research be carried out on the perception, attitudes and behaviour of men regarding gender equality to be able to address the needs of women and men in the formulation of policies;

• current courses for couples preparing for marriage should include the men's perspective on gender equality in the home, at the workplace and in society at large;

• training for parents to create awareness of meaningful 'relationships' of gender equality as role models and the importance of their role in raising boys and girls as equal partners in their daily life; and

• carry out studies on stereotyping of men and women in the media, with a view to understand better the pressures resulting from the representation of men and women in magazines, on television and Internet, among others.