Influential Men: Accentuating the Positive Roles that Men Can Play

NEW YORK – Men hold the key to ending violence against women and reducing gender inequalities. A new photography exhibit, entitled ‘Influential Men’, highlights their power through striking images of positive male role models. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of including and engaging men and boys in creating a world in which every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

The exhibit, which was commissioned by UNFPA to highlight U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Unite to End Violence Against Women Campaign, was launched today along with the Secretary-General's Network of Men Leaders. Each member of this new network of men has pledged to identify and undertake specific actions to further the Secretary-General's Campaign around the world.

'Influential Men' displays the work of 20 photographers in 20 countries, capturing glimpses of men engaged in family and community life. One photograph, for example, depicts an HIV-positive father from Kibera, Nairobi, who is single-handedly raising six children after their mother and aunt died. Another shows a former gang member from New Mexico, USA, who now mentors at-risk youth. Others show men from many walks of life enjoying their role as fathers and teachers.

'Influential Men' was produced by Viktoria Saxby for Hope Exhibits.