CHAPTER 6: IMPROVE NETWORKS WITH MEN
Introduction
6.1 To actually deliver the duty to promote equality of opportunity, it is necessary to recognise that, because of their sex or gender roles, women and men can experience different types of disadvantage and that in certain circumstances it will be necessary to treat men and women differently.
6.2 As we set out in our scheme, we recognise that, in many areas of policy and practice, it is women rather than men who have been traditionally excluded and that our focus has therefore tended to be on the inclusion of those marginalised perspectives. However, we also recognise that there are a number of areas where men and boys experience disadvantage and we should improve our consultation with men on these.
What we said we would do
6.3 Consultation with organisations for men and fathers highlighted difficulties in consulting and involving men and the need to improve our engagement to understand the issues for them and to ensure these are fully taken into account in the development of our policies and services particularly in relation to health, education and the needs of fathers.
6.4 We therefore committed to improving our consultation networks with men and to explore options for establishing an effective network.
What we've done
6.5 To progress this objective the Scottish Government is planning a roundtable event with a number of individuals and organisations with an interest and knowledge of issues concerning men.
6.6 The event is being organised for June 2008, slightly later than we had initially planned, and will consider what practical steps the Scottish Government could take to improve communication and engagement with men. Using the expertise of those present, the Group will also look at issues that they consider should be a priority for the Scottish Government in advancing the interests of men.
6.7 The Group will also consider if it would be beneficial for the Group to become a permanent feature and meet on a regular basis and, if so, should the membership be altered to include other interested groups of individuals.