#globalguytalk

What happens when men start talking to each other? That simple question is the starting point for #globalguytalk.

Sweden has long actively worked with and pushed for issues related to gender equality and women’s rights, both nationally and globally. This does not mean that Sweden is spared from gender equality challenges or destructive norms as regards masculinity.

In the wake of a public discussion about abuse in 2016, the organisation Make Equal launched an initiative in Sweden where men got together to talk about their feelings, friendship, relationships, sex, male roles, and about their responsibilities. The initiative became a big success with huge national media attention. But the concept also proved valuable far beyond Sweden’s borders.

With an exhibition, conversation guides, training for conversation leaders, introductory videos, press material and posts for social media, the Swedish Institute together with Make Equal have developed a complete package to initiate #globalguytalk in your country. 

Feel free to collaborate with organisations that work with gender equality issues to start a local initiative. Design and content can of course be adapted based on your local context. If you need help, SI and Make Equal are available to provide support.

Instructions

Short description for embassies and consulates on how to arrange a #globalguytalk (.pdf).

Building blocks

Website

The website www.globalguytalk.com contains all necessary information for participants and conversation leaders. Please direct interested parties to this site for more information about #globaguytalk.

Exhibition

What are the questions and challenges men face today? In the exhibition #globalguytalk, visitors are invited to reflect on masculinity. They are encouraged to join in on the conversation about male norms and their consequences.

The exhibition is structured around words, quotes, and statistics from the non-profit organisation Make Equal and their extensive work on male norms and equality in Sweden.

Manual for conversation leaders

This manual for the conversation leader introduces the concept and gives tips and tricks for how to organise a #globalguytalk – digitally or physically. It contains information about preparations, how to carry them out, as well as how to reflect and evaluate. 

An introductory video for the conversation leader is available on YouTube. The video also serves as an in-depth introduction to the concept. The video is in English, but additional subtitling can be made to relevant languages, see instructions below under “Video for social media”. 

Guides for conversation leaders

There are nine different conversation guides, covering topics such as ’dads’, ‘vulnerability’ and ‘avoidance.’ Each manual contains several questions to choose from when hosting a #globalguytalk, and each guide has been divided into different levels. The conversation leader decides in advance which questions to use and in which order. At globalguytalk.com, you can generate a guide containing the topics and levels that suit the local context.

Communication

Social media kit

Previously, #globalguytalk got a lot of traction on social media. To start a local social media campaign, please refer to our social media sharing kit. Don’t forget to use the hashtag and to encourage local partners to spread the word online. 

Apart from the above video for conversation leaders, a teaser film and four videos introducing different themes of #globalguytalk are available. The videos also work as an introduction to an actual #globalguytalk, as part of an invitation, or as social media posts.

Subtitles

If applicable, add translated subtitles to the video for conversation leaders as well as the video for social media. Download the relevant SRT files here. 

The SRT files can be opened and edited in any ordinary text editor. SRT files are compatible with most social media (for example, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/261764017354370). If you need a translation to appear on the video for conversation leaders on Youtube, please contact the Swedish Institute.

Financial support

Swedish embassies and consulates may apply for financial support of maximum SEK 40,000 for production of the printed material, language translation and travel costs and remuneration for Swedish guest speaker(s). Part of the sum applied for should be used for inviting Swedish guest speaker(s).

For projects aiming to strengthen cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region the level of financial support is limited to a maximum of SEK 100,000. Up to 30 per cent of the granted sum may be used for external project management.

Initiatives that include the exhibition in combination with lectures and/or workshop will be prioritised.

How to apply

To apply, please fill out the application form.

The application must be sent in at least two months before the event. Resources are limited, and financial support may not be available at the end of the year. Limits may apply.

By filling out the application form you agree to respect the copyright agreement for the images.

How to report

After completed event, fill out the project report for toolkits.

Also, we want to encourage every conversation leader to visit globalguytalk.com and anonymously register the conversation. With all contributions, we can build a global map and show how many conversations have been held and where men are speaking the most.

Repayments
If more than 10 per cent of the total grant has not been used, then the full amount of unused funds must be repaid to SI. Repayment shall be via UD EKO. When repaying, enter the project’s registration number (available in the agreement) and the name of your organisation in the notification field and notify the project manager in question.

Contact at the Swedish Institute

For more information please contact Ulrika Rosvall.

Published: 2020-09-14
Swedish Institute