'We are awake and ready to advocate harder than ever'

Photograph: NAMEN board members, February 2025

In recent years, and particularly in the past few weeks, we have watched as the progress we’ve advocated for — the vision of a more just, equitable world — has been met with mounting resistance. Although it may look different in Canada than in the U.S., the backlash against gender equality is real, and it is relentless. But we are here to say: we see it, we reject it, and we will not stand by in silence.

The North American Men Engage Network (NAMEN) is back. We are awake. And we are ready to advocate harder than ever.

We know that the work of engaging men and boys in gender justice has never been more critical. And we know that this backlash is not affecting everyone equally — it is hitting hardest at the margins, deepening inequities, and targeting the most vulnerable among us. The communities that have long been fighting for justice — women, LGBTQI+ people, Black and Indigenous communities, people of color, and all those pushing for an inclusive, equitable future — are facing unprecedented attacks. We refuse to let this moment pass without action.

No single person or organization can meet these challenges alone. Now, more than ever, we must come together, strengthen our collective voice, and take bold action.

This is not just about defending what we’ve built — it’s about advancing a movement that refuses to be pushed back. An unprecedented backlash demands an unprecedented response.

In the coming weeks and months, NAMEN will be reaching out to re-engage and reinvigorate our community. We will create spaces to connect, share strategies, and mobilize. And we need you. Your voice, your expertise, and your commitment are essential to this fight.

We will not be silenced. We will not be deterred. We will stand together.

Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to engage, collaborate, and take action. Thank you for your continued commitment to the work and we are excited for the journey ahead with you.

Our Vision for This Year

The backlash against gender equality is intensifying — but so is our resolve. In 2025, NAMEN is doubling down on our commitment to supporting our members, strengthening our movement, and taking a stand.

This year, we are structuring our work around Countering Backlash, ensuring that NAMEN is a space for both strategic action and collective care. Our approach will be twofold:

1. Building a Community of Care – The work we do is challenging, and none of us can sustain it alone. We are creating spaces to support our members as people — offering opportunities to process current events, discuss how we care for ourselves and others, and foster meaningful connections across our network.

2. Strengthening Our Collective Strategy – We are convening experts and practitioners to discuss best practices for responding to backlash, sharing tools and strategies that help our organizations and communities stay resilient in this moment.

How We’re Bringing This to Life

Monthly Virtual Meet-Ups – Each month, we will hold one of two types of spaces:

Speaker Series – Featuring leading experts from the U.S. and Canada to discuss key issues and strategies in countering backlash.

Brave Spaces – Organically facilitated spaces for members to share concerns, discuss pressing challenges, and connect with peers in a supportive, open environment.

Monthly Newsletter – At the end of each month, you’ll receive a newsletter from us recapping events, current news, member contributions, and events to look forward to.

Our Two Core Priorities

Growing Our Membership – In the coming months, we will be reaching out to organizations in our networks that haven’t had the chance to engage with NAMEN. The stronger and broader our network, the more powerful our collective voice will be.

Deepening Engagement with Current Members – We are committed to maintaining at least two touch points per month with our members, ensuring that NAMEN is not just a network, but a community of action and support.

This is the year to rise with purpose, to push back with resilience, and to reinforce the work that matters most—while also caring for ourselves and each other along the way. We are in this together, and we hope you’ll join us in building a movement that is both strong and sustainable.

Upcoming Events

March 12, 2025

Brave Space & Movement Building

We’re opening the year by creating space within the NAMEN network to address the current context of backlash against gender equality and healthy masculinity.

April 2025

Countering Backlash Webinar

In April, a Canadian and a US speaker will discuss strategies to counter backlash, particularly in the GBV prevention and response space.

Deepening your engagement

Do you know an organization who might be interested in joining the network? Have them get in touch.

Do you have an event in April or resources to share with our network? Send them our way and we’ll include it in the March newsletter.

Do you want to serve on a global working group? Send us a note via email to learn more.

Get in Touch

For general inquiries or content contribution to our next newsletter, reach out to us at email hidden; JavaScript is required