MOP to clean up men's attitude to women
Stabroek News
March 13, 2004
A men's organisation with the name "Men Of Purpose" (MOP) was formed recently with the aim of mapping out a programme to help to promote a greater sense of responsibility in men and boys in their relationships with women and girls.
The mission of the organisation is "Promoting Responsible Manhood", according to a release from its public relations officer, Orin Perry, who is a member of the group's interim executive committee.
The initial meeting of the group of about 45 men at the invitation of Frederick Cox, Executive Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) took place on Monday, which was observed as International Women's Day.
The release said the group feels strongly that men, women, girls and boys in Guyana should be working more cooperatively and collaboratively to improve the quality of life being experienced in the home, in the community and in the society at large.
The group has so far identified such objectives as creating awareness of the problem of irresponsible behaviour displayed by men; educating men and boys on how to relate with members of their families; educating men and boys about methods of conflict resolution; and mobilising and organising men and boys nationally to work together towards the maximisation of male contributions to family, community and national development.
The new organisation is also aiming at giving support to women as they perform their various roles; advocating for rules, regulations and laws to be changed in support of the improvement of relationships between and among persons; and cooperating and collaborating with all those organisations, The aims and objectives of which are similar.
Other members of the elected Interim Executive Committee include Frederick Cox, president, Arnold Mickel, vice-president, Michael Lambert, general secretary, Sabastian Bobb and Mark Rose, assistant secretaries, Simon Pollard, treasurer, Gordon Chase, assistant treasurer, and Dr Kampta Prashad, medical adviser, the release said.
The men and youths who were at the initial meeting come from a cross-section of governmental and non-governmental organisations, and the body is hoping to bring on board representation from every male grouping in the society. Enquiries are invited via telephone number 225-3286.
The Interim Executive Committee has been charged with the task of completing the groundwork so that "MOP" can be officially launched next month, the release added.