Latest news with #Movember
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
Two In Five Kiwi Men Die Prematurely, New Movember Report Reveals
Press Release – Movember The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 1534, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. 12 August 2025 – Two in five men living in Aotearoa New Zealand die prematurely – before the age of 75 – most from causes we know how to prevent and treat. That's the stark reality revealed in The Real Face of Men's Health: Aotearoa New Zealand, a landmark new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health. It's the most comprehensive look at men's health in New Zealand to date – and it makes the issue impossible to ignore. The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 15–34, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. Among young tāne Māori aged 25–44, the suicide rate soars to nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 – the highest of any group in the country. 'These aren't just statistics – they're sons, fathers, brothers, and mates. And their deaths send shockwaves through whānau, workplaces and communities,' says report contributor Dr Simon Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue, Patu Harakeke, Ngāti Waewae), Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Massey University and member of Movember's Global Indigenous Advisory Committee. 'Too often, men are falling through the cracks, missing out on the critical support they need, when and where they need it most – and it has gone on for too long.' The research exposes major barriers stopping men from getting care – from masculine stereotypes and the expectation to 'tough it out', to health systems that too often feel unwelcoming or dismissive. Six in ten men say their concerns aren't taken seriously by healthcare providers, while nearly two-thirds feel masculine stereotypes have negatively influenced their health. 'If we addressed just the top five preventable diseases in men, New Zealand could have saved $917 million in 2023 alone,' says Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men's Health. 'The solutions exist. Now is the time for national action.' Movember is calling on the New Zealand Government to develop a Men's Health Strategy – grounded in equity and partnership with Māori – to deliver coordinated action across policy, services and systems. Because when men live longer, healthier lives — everyone benefits. 'This is a critical opportunity to change the trajectory of men's health in Aotearoa,' says Professor Rice. 'Healthier men mean healthier families, stronger communities and a stronger country.' New Zealanders can read the full report, which details the premature mortality of Kiwi men, the economic cost of poor men's health, the impact whānau and caregivers, and what's proven to work – and join the conversation at About Movember Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men's health. What began as a bristly idea in Australia in 2003 quickly grew into a global movement – one that has sparked millions of important conversations, raised over AUD $1.83 billion for men's health, funded more than 1,300 health projects, and helped break the silence surrounding men's health issues. From breakthrough prostate and testicular cancer research to bold investments in mental health and suicide prevention, Movember is transforming how health services reach and support men. The charity works to ensure more men recognise when they're struggling, more supporters know how to step in, and health systems are better equipped to respond to men in need. Movember champions inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare — improving health outcomes not just for men, but for the families and communities they're part of. Together, we can help men live healthier, longer lives.
Scoop
16 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
Two In Five Kiwi Men Die Prematurely, New Movember Report Reveals
12 August 2025 – Two in five men living in Aotearoa New Zealand die prematurely – before the age of 75 – most from causes we know how to prevent and treat. That's the stark reality revealed in The Real Face of Men's Health: Aotearoa New Zealand, a landmark new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health. It's the most comprehensive look at men's health in New Zealand to date – and it makes the issue impossible to ignore. The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 15–34, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. Among young tāne Māori aged 25–44, the suicide rate soars to nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 – the highest of any group in the country. 'These aren't just statistics – they're sons, fathers, brothers, and mates. And their deaths send shockwaves through whānau, workplaces and communities,' says report contributor Dr Simon Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue, Patu Harakeke, Ngāti Waewae), Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Massey University and member of Movember's Global Indigenous Advisory Committee. 'Too often, men are falling through the cracks, missing out on the critical support they need, when and where they need it most – and it has gone on for too long.' The research exposes major barriers stopping men from getting care – from masculine stereotypes and the expectation to 'tough it out', to health systems that too often feel unwelcoming or dismissive. Six in ten men say their concerns aren't taken seriously by healthcare providers, while nearly two-thirds feel masculine stereotypes have negatively influenced their health. 'If we addressed just the top five preventable diseases in men, New Zealand could have saved $917 million in 2023 alone,' says Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men's Health. 'The solutions exist. Now is the time for national action.' Movember is calling on the New Zealand Government to develop a Men's Health Strategy – grounded in equity and partnership with Māori – to deliver coordinated action across policy, services and systems. Because when men live longer, healthier lives — everyone benefits. 'This is a critical opportunity to change the trajectory of men's health in Aotearoa,' says Professor Rice. 'Healthier men mean healthier families, stronger communities and a stronger country.' New Zealanders can read the full report, which details the premature mortality of Kiwi men, the economic cost of poor men's health, the impact whānau and caregivers, and what's proven to work – and join the conversation at Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men's health. What began as a bristly idea in Australia in 2003 quickly grew into a global movement – one that has sparked millions of important conversations, raised over AUD $1.83 billion for men's health, funded more than 1,300 health projects, and helped break the silence surrounding men's health issues. From breakthrough prostate and testicular cancer research to bold investments in mental health and suicide prevention, Movember is transforming how health services reach and support men. The charity works to ensure more men recognise when they're struggling, more supporters know how to step in, and health systems are better equipped to respond to men in need. Movember champions inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare — improving health outcomes not just for men, but for the families and communities they're part of. Together, we can help men live healthier, longer lives. Learn more at
Agriland
3 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Rose escort: 'I needed to put myself back out there into the community'
It's all too easy for farmers to get isolated and to work all the time, according to Joe Hennessy from Knockcarron, Co. Limerick, who is an escort at this year's Rose of Tralee Festival. Joe, who runs a dairy calf-to-beef system, said: "I found that after college, I put my head into farming a lot. I felt that I needed to put myself back out there into the community. "I never played rugby in my life but I joined Galbally rugby this year. I joined Galbally football too. I'm also member of Kilmallock Macra." Joe is an agricultural adviser with BMJ Consultants in Midleton, Co. Cork, working alongside four fellow Bachelor of Agricultural Science graduates. "This makes my learning complete and thorough across dairy, beef, sheep and tillage enterprises throughout the counties of Munster," he said. While in college he chaired the ags and nurses society, Nags Society. "That year alone we raised €6,000 for BUMBLEance, the children's ambulance service of Ireland and another €3,000 for Movember," he recalled. Being an escort at the Rose of Tralee festival is Joe's latest effort at putting himself out there, with family members pitching in to keep the farm going while he is in Tralee. "A trusted local man who regularly helps me at weekends will also be on call to provide support to my family, if needed," said Joe. "It was something new. Growing up, I was always thinking about how I could help other people. "As escorts, we can help the Roses get through a very stressful time and have a bit of craic." Joe said he has also benefitted from the preparation for the role. "As an escort, I've met 32 great lads and it's a real tight group. They're going to be your friends for life. "The bootcamp was tough, but it was very good. We spent the weekend down in Dingle and it was very helpful for team bonding." Combining his job with farming provides the best of both worlds, as it gets him out meeting new people while allowing him to pursue his passion, Joe said. The 22 year-old remembers buying two calves with his First Communion money and looking up the Green Cert during class in primary school. He grew up helping on his maternal grandparents' farm. He explained: "My grandmother lost an arm in a power take-off (PTO) accident when she was 30 and I was there to help her and my grandfather. My father and brother farm at Galbally." Relishing the chance to work outdoors in a tight-knit community, Joe works to make the farm as efficient as possible to maintain the part-time lifestyle. Having gone to college in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Joe is thrilled to be back in town as an escort. "I went down to the festival last year and saw how much craic was at it. I also know a few lads who were escorts in the past and they really recommended it," he said. "I just love the town and saw an opportunity to go for it."
Man of Many
4 days ago
- General
- Man of Many
‘Benevolent Sexism': What is it, and What Can You Do About It?
By Ally Burnie - News Published: 9 Aug 2025 |Last Updated: 7 Aug 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 8 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. You're a good bloke. You care about your partner, want her to be happy, and you always have the best intentions. Maybe that means working hard, providing for the household, or making sure she's looked after. There's nothing wrong with that, is there? But when does being 'supportive' start to turn into something that's kind of the opposite? Something that might feel caring on the outside, but underneath is more controlling than caring? That's where the concept of 'benevolent sexism' sneaks in, and it's not always easy to spot. Image: Ave Calvar/Unsplash What is 'Benevolent Sexism'? Benevolent sexism is a term introduced by American social psychologists Peter Glick and Susan Fiske in 1996 as part of their 'ambivalent sexism' theory, which is the idea that sexism comes in two forms: 'hostile sexism', which is openly negative, and 'benevolent sexism', which seems positive but still reinforces traditional gender roles and inequality. As clinical psychologist and Global Director of Research at Movember Zac Seidler explained to Man of Many: 'Benevolent sexism refers to seemingly positive but ultimately restrictive attitudes toward women that appear protective or appreciative but reinforce traditional gender hierarchies.' Unlike overt forms of sexism, it seems caring (like saying 'women are naturally better at caring for children'), but limits agency and casts women as less capable or independent. Glick and Fiske found that even when these attitudes come from a good place, they still send the message that women aren't as strong or capable as men, which just keeps traditional gender roles in place. The Podcast that Kick-Started the Convo Benevolent sexism isn't new, but the uptick in discourse started with a viral clip from The Pocket with Chris Griffin, a podcast which calls itself 'storytelling and education from leaders all around the world.' It's tagged on Spotify as 'health' and 'self-help.' In the podcast episode, Griffin said he'd prefer his partner not work unless she wanted to, because after a day of chasing his dreams, he wants to come home to 'peace and love.' He encouraged women to go on 'hot girl walks' and focus on their 'feminine energy,' arguing this dynamic best supports a man's ambitions. The clip quickly went viral and sparked a fierce debate about gender roles. Many saw the message as harmless or even romantic, but others called it out for being traditional gender expectations repackaged as care. One of the loudest critics was Laura Henshaw, CEO of wellness brand Kic, who said Griffin's views were 'misogyny in a bow' – harmful ideas disguised with soft music and motivational language. In her view, the podcast promoted a fantasy where men succeed while women take a backseat, all under the banner of choice. Despite the backlash, Griffin didn't back down on his stance. In interviews and on social media, he defended his position, telling the ABC the backlash proved society was 'against biology' and unfairly criticising traditional masculinity. 'Imagine wanting to work hard so you can give your partner safety and freedom of choice, just to be labelled toxic,' he said in a separate response online. What made this conversation hit harder is that Griffin's views aren't fringe. Research from the e61 institute shows Gen Z men are increasingly turning toward traditional gender roles, especially in response to online masculinity content. The podcast's popularity is part of a broader trend, one where traditional ideas about masculinity are making a comeback, dressed up in language about love and support. Image: Unsplash When the Algorithm Keeps Serving You Sexism Benevolent sexism isn't only reinforced by men, however. The #TradWife and #StayAtHomeGirlfriend trends have taken off on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with videos racking up millions of views. These videos often show young women preparing meals, organising their homes, and living financially supported lifestyles thanks to their partners. The message is clear: this is self-care, this is 'feminine energy,' and most importantly, this is a choice. And yes, for some, it genuinely is. But as experts warn, it's also part of a wider pattern that can reinforce outdated ideas about gender. Seidler said these trends are appealing because they're presented in such a polished, aspirational way – but that's exactly what makes them risky. 'While some women genuinely find fulfilment in traditional domestic roles, the concern lies in how these trends can romanticise economic dependence and present a narrow vision of femininity as aspirational,' Seidler said. The danger, he said, is in treating this one way of living as the gold standard, rather than one option among many. 'For young people still forming their identities, these highly curated presentations can create unrealistic expectations about relationships and gender roles, potentially limiting their sense of what's possible for their own lives.' It doesn't just affect women. For young men, this content can reinforce the pressure to be 'the provider' or 'protector' – a role that sounds noble, but can be emotionally and financially exhausting. 'It heaps on pressure about a singular (unattainable) idea of what a man should be and normalises relationship dynamics which underpin coercive control,' said Seidler. Thanks to the algorithm, social media has become one of the easiest ways for these ideas to spread. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are designed to keep serving you more of what you engage with, which means even casual views of this content can quickly lead to a steady stream of similar videos. 'Social media creates echo chambers that can normalise benevolent sexism more effectively than previous media,' said Seidler. 'The algorithmic nature means people encounter repeated messaging that reinforces existing beliefs, personal, authentic feel of social media content can make these messages seem more credible than traditional advertising or media'. Because the content feels relatable and aspirational, it's easy to absorb without questioning. But over time, it shapes what feels 'normal' in relationships – and what doesn't. While the videos might seem harmless, or even empowering, it's worth asking: who's benefiting when the ideal woman is always soft, supportive, and stays in her lane? Stressed man at work | Image: Tim Gouw/Unsplash The pressure on men This conversation isn't one-sided. While traditional gender roles and benevolent sexism often limit women's choices, the expectation that they must always be the provider carries a heavy toll for men, too. 'Benevolent sexism places significant pressure on men to fulfil protector and provider roles, which can create anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy when they can't meet these standards,' explains Seidler. 'It can limit men's emotional expression and help-seeking behaviour, as acknowledging vulnerability contradicts the 'strong protector' ideal.' These traditional roles are encouraged by 'masculinity influencers' online. According to Movember's Young Men's Health in a Digital World report, nearly two-thirds of young men (16–25) in Australia, the UK, and the US follow these types of influencers online, many of whom reinforce the importance of self-reliance and traditional provider roles. The report highlights that young men who engage with this content are more likely to report feelings of worthlessness, nervousness, and sadness, and are less likely to prioritise their mental health compared to their peers. Almost a quarter of Australian men say they would not seek help for mental health concerns at all. According to 2025 research from The American Journal of Men's Health, strong adherence to traditional masculine norms – emphasising stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional suppression – is consistently linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and risky behaviours (like substance abuse) among men. This combination of societal pressure and silence creates a cycle where men's struggles go unseen and untreated, highlighting that rigid gender expectations harm everyone, not just women. Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash So … What's a Good Bloke to Do? If you're someone who genuinely wants to support the people you care about, that's already a solid place to start. Benevolent sexism is tricky because it often feels like you're being respectful or protective, but sometimes even well-meaning actions can take away someone else's freedom or voice. As clinical psychologist Gene Efron points out, most young people want to move away from gender stereotypes and genuinely value equality. But algorithms aren't neutral, and they will keep feeding you content that reinforces old-school ideas, without you even realising it. 'Social media can feed into deeply held unconscious beliefs,' he told Man of Many. 'So it's important that when consuming this content that people ask themselves, 'Is this actually consistent with my values?'' Doing regular check-ins with yourself and what you're consuming is important, because being a good bloke doesn't mean being in control or sticking to outdated roles. Being a good bloke means showing up with respect, openness, and a willingness to grow. And, there are other upsides to this, too. 'There is a benefit – financial, social, emotional – in expanding their ideas of what they can be,' said Seidler. When all is said and done, no one's pointing fingers. Most guys are doing their best. But now that you know a bit more about benevolent sexism, it's a chance to stay curious, reflect, and think about how your actions can better match the kind of bloke you want to be.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Dying early, suffering in silence: the harms of toxic masculinity
Opinion When I was growing up, the two messages I heard most were 'real men don't cry' and 'real men don't show weakness.' These ideas were conveyed to me and every single other male I knew at school, during sports, and in virtually every movie and TV program we watched. These messages taught me not to show emotion or ask for help, and judge those who did as weak, to question their virility, masculinity and sexuality. This led to bad choices and behaviour that continue to infect generations of men and leads to bullying, harm and violence. Some of the worst harm occurs among men themselves. Alongside my colleague John Oliffe of the University of British Columbia Men's Health Research Program, we have published a report for the international organization Movember (best known for international moustache campaigns) titled 'The Real Face of Men's Health: the 2025 Canadian Report.' Available online, our findings identify how and why men in Canada are dying prematurely, suffering in silence, and how this crisis is costing Canada billions of dollars in resources and infrastructure. We also give recommendations and call for a national action plan to deal with the issue of male health. In the report, we point out that two in five (37 per cent) Canadian men die prematurely (before 75 years old) and these deaths are, for the most part, preventable. In fact, Canadian men live to an average age of 79.5 – almost five years younger than women. The two leading causes of premature death in Canadian men are cancer and heart disease, which can be dealt with simply by understanding male health, proper screening and encouraging men to see their doctor regularly. The next leading causes are accidents and unintentional injuries — also solved with an eye on good health and getting help — but a sense of humility and humanity, too. A whopping 50 per cent more males than females die from preventable causes or issues that can be treated effectively and on a timely basis. The next causes of male premature death though are the most complicated and the hardest to address. These are deaths caused by alcohol and drugs (particularly opioids) and suicide. In Canada, 72 per cent of all accidental opioid toxicity deaths are men; nearly 75 per cent of suicides in the country involve males. Instead of asking for help while in mental crisis, men most often turn to substances and, if untreated, harm and kill themselves. Well-funded, resourced, and competent mental health institutions and initiatives that understand the specific needs of men are crucial if male deaths are to be prevented. Necessarily, these must include the many sexualities, cultural specificities, and other contexts of that make up male and male-related identities. In nearly all of these cases and statistics, Indigenous men are two to five times higher than these averages, with the leading causes of male death due to historical trauma, poverty, legitimate and historical mistrust of the medical system, and poor access to health care. For more than two centuries, Indigenous women and men have experienced avalanches of imposed norms and beliefs from newcomers who brought with them foreign ideas based in gender and sexuality. These were turned into practices and policies with the goal of undermining traditional identities while replacing them with ideas often traumatizing. The Indian Act of 1867, for example, defined men as the sole rights holders in communities, property owners and heads of households while denying women the same rights while instilling rules that tried to control female behaviour. Gender normativity was so ingrained in the treatment of Indigenous communities that when the Indian Act was amended in 1884, to allow status Indian men to will their estate to their wives, it was only if the Indian agent determined she was of 'good moral character.' Indigenous men, in many ways, were therefore taught that patriarchy was normal, to feel and act entitled, and many gained privilege and power. Anyone who rejected or resisted acting in the ways males were expected to act was punished and ostracized. This meant that, for some Indigenous men, abuse and trauma became a language of expression. For others, the language became work, abandonment, and silence. It is only now that healing programs and initiatives have begun to help Indigenous men become the fullest sons, nephews, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers they can be. Still, Indigenous life expectancy continues to be much lower than the Canadian average: 72.8 years for First Nations males, 78.9 years for Métis males, and 68.8 years for Inuit males. Premature male death is costing Canada dearly. The report finds that poor male physical and mental health and premature death costs the Canadian economy $12.4 billion in health care costs, lost productivity, and caregiver time and supports. Speaking of caregivers, these are often disproportionately women. Everyone pays when men are taught not to cry or ask for help. Let's try something else. Niigaan SinclairColumnist Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
