Adelaide academic spearheads new Flinders Uni push to promote male role models

South Aussie men are being urged to step up as “inspirational role models to boys and young men” in a push to drown out toxic masculinity.

An Adelaide academic is spearheading a new push to formally recognise and celebrate positive male role models in the community as a step towards “drowning out” negative narratives such as toxic masculinity.

For the first time in 2024, a series of Flinders University-led International Men’s Day awards will acknowledge South Australian men who are contributing as role models across the fields of sports, research, community, teaching and media.

Dean of research Raj Shekhawat says the aim is “to shine a light on those men who through their words and deeds are acting as inspirational role models to boys and young men”.

Professor Raj Shekhawat says the importance of valuing male role models in addressing issues with men’s mental and physical health and in fostering positive gender relations can’t be understated. Picture: Supplied

“In the current climate we are living in, there are so many negative stories and negative narratives going around … we hear so much about toxic masculinity and sad examples of drug use and violence,” Prof Shekhawat said.

“If we want to make a positive change, it is important to also talk about genuine, authentic, positive and fearless things which are happening … (to recognise) the importance of valuing male role models in addressing issues with men’s mental and physical health, and in fostering positive gender relations.”

Prof Shekhawat says spiralling rates of suicide and violence can’t be ignored, with nine men committing suicide every day.

“ … there are other staggering statistics associated with violence and domestic violence,” he said.

Also a clinical audiologist, the father of three – two girls and a boy – who has lived in six countries says he has been fortunate to have experienced “incredible generosity and kindness in all corners of the world” which he attributes to moulding his successful career and family life.

“I am the first in my family to go to university, to attain a PhD, to have an academic career … if it wasn’t for the positive role models I’ve encountered in my life, I would not be half the person I am today,” he said.

Local role models involved in sports, research, community, teaching and media are being sought. Picture: iStock

Leading social analyst and demographer Mark McCrindle is supportive of the SA initiative, pointing to national statistics which show a doubling in rates of depression and anxiety among young men aged 15 to 34 in the past decade.

He believes young men need to be provided “purpose, direction and expectations”.

“Society rightly decries the social media influencers gaining the attention of young men with little more than sound bites, victimhood and rank materialism … better than cancelling these discordant merchants of outrage is to champion young men who are transforming communities, bringing visionary leadership and serving with excellence,” he said.

Mark McCrindle believes young men need to be provided with “purpose, direction and expectations” …

… not ‘social media influencers gaining the attention of young men with little more than sound bites, victimhood and rank mate’, such as Andrew Tate.

Nominations close on October 27 – to find out more visit Flinders Uni’s International Men’s Day Awards. Winners, to receive $1000, will be announced at an International Men’s Day event on November 19, to be hosted by SA politician Sarah Game and the Breakthrough Foundation.