Around the world, March is International Women’s Month. The week of March 8 (International Women’s Day) is usually celebrated with events of celebration and awareness.

This year in Dumaguete, men of different communities led and organized initiatives and activities, serving as an inspiration for other men in the university town. They encouraged everyone to be part of the revolution to end violence and exploitation against women and children, motivating them through the VMANologues.

According to the 2013 National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey (NCAS), violence and exploitation of women and children is not a just an issue for women – 95% of violence against women is committed by men. This issue is also a concern for men. Men should also rise to end this epidemic.

The VMAN program, which started in 2013 in Dumaguete, is a forum for men to talk to other men about male issues and how their relationship to violence impacts the lives of the women they love and care.

An experiment was conducted with different members of the community of Dumaguete City. They were asked about their opinion of what a real man is.

The respondents were instructed to write on a pink paper. Notably, no one reacted to its distinct color. This experiment showed that color does not define gender.

According to the survey, Dumagueteños’ views about men varied. Their answers showed their ideals, and what they know of what a real man is.

“A real man is faithful.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is patient.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is respectful.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is my husband.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is sure.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is giving.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is brave.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man has no abs.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is isog (tough).” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is gwapo.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is responsible.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is a man who knows how to pick trashes.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is God-fearing.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is my dad.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is gentle.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is masculine.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is strong and helpful.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

“A real man is honest.” | Photo by Mac Florendo and Mariana Varela

If men talk to other men about the change that they can create in this issue, then they can understand what it takes to be a real man. This quote by Elbert Hubbard should give us a new perspective: “The stronger a man is, the more gentle he can afford to be.”