A project, led in part by StFX education professor Dr. Chris Gilham, that helps support young boys and men be healthier and have healthier relationships has received $1 million in funding to expand throughout Atlantic Canada.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced $525,000 on Nov. 10, 2022 for GuysWork, a pilot project aimed at developing a transformative school-based program for male-identified students across elementary, middle, and high school grades.
The Honourable Karla MacFarlane, Provincial Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act, Minister of L’nu Affairs, and Minister of Community Services, announced an additional $525,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia.
The program is designed to help boys navigate the intense pressures and expectations around masculinity that shape their identities as men. The pilot project will see it expanded to more schools and other provinces throughout Atlantic Canada.
“Our evaluation of GuysWork shows a shift in attitudes towards healthy masculinity that promises both the short and long-term health of boys and those around them, specifically their future partners. With this funding, we can expand the program throughout the Atlantic provinces and do a longer-term evaluation, which I’m hoping will demonstrate a significant behavioural change in young men and prevent gender-based violence,” says Dr. Gilham, Evaluation Lead, GuysWork.
Another StFX faculty member, computer science professor Dr. Derrick Lee will be supporting the evaulation efforts.
Minister Ien made the announcement during a visit to Halifax, NS, where she also announced $700,000 in funding to support crisis hotlines across Nova Scotia. These announcements are connected to the November 9 announcement in Pictou County of the endorsement of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
