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  • 95 Park Street #411 Lewiston Maine, 04240

207-712-0312

mmohamed@changemaine.org

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Men/Women Programs

Providing support and non-gender streaming resources for women is essential for the well-being of our communities. With women constituting nearly half the countries population and, yet, not being equally represented in leadership or stable employment, a gap in opportunities is evident. This is in addition to the increased risk of women being subject to domestic violence and sexual harassment in public. To prevent this and encourage the entry of women as strong and equal individuals, we have designed a few programs for them.

SECTION 1.1: Challenging Norms – Exploring and Loving Oneself

Understanding one’s strength, worth and abilities is important in the growth and success of individuals. However, having a strong and positive view of oneself is often not associated with traditional understandings of ‘femininity’ and rather more strongly linked with masculinity . This has strong implications on the social, mental, economic and physical well-being of women, particularly as they move within a patriarchal system.

An overview of related programs in this stream are listed below:

A.Self-Love

Following the same format as the youth ‘Learning to Love Yourself’ program, this program will have a series of workshops where women explore topics affecting health, self-recognition, social movement, and support by addressing and challenging gender-specific barriers.

B.Social Circle

This program would provide an opportunity for women to gather in a safe space and discuss various topics that impact the gender-specific communities.

C.Exercise

Due to the limited amount of safe spaces for women’s-only exercise, we intend to introduce exercise programming for women. Professional instructors will be hired to lead sessions and ensure women are getting the maximum benefits from their workouts.


SECTION 1.2: Building Skills Experience

As outlined with youth, lacking a certainty of one’s future is linked with poor mental, physical and social health outcomes. Women, through societal gender-streaming practices throughout growth, are often forced to limit their aspirations. That is why we want to ensure that all women have the role models, resources and opportunities to plan and move towards their goals – without any limits.
Below are a list of our proposed programs:

A.‘How-To’ Career Building Series

This program would entail a set of workshops where women are able to explore different career areas, gain the skills and resources for moving up or into careers. Workshops would include: How to Get an Apprenticeship; How to Get into Post-Secondary; How to Build Your Resume and ‘How to Ace Your Interview.

B.Panels

A series of interspersed panels will be organized where professional women in various careers share their experiences in moving into careers. The goal would be for women to begin networking, gain inspiration and tips into life in various careers.

C.Placements

Women would be given the opportunity to gain work experience (paid/unpaid) in various work settings. This would allow for women to explore career options while getting actual experience.

SECTION 1.1 Building Skills and Experience

A.‘How-To’ Career Building Series

This program would be similar to the women’s programming and entail a set of workshops to support men explore and enter the workforce. Workshops would include: How to Get an Apprenticeship; How to Get into Post-Secondary; How to Build Your Resume and ‘How to Ace Your Interview.’

B.Placements

Like the women’s program, men would be given the opportunity to get practical work experience (paid/unpaid) in different work settings. This may prove useful in encouraging those who otherwise felt employment opportunities for them did not exist, by allowing them to explore career options while getting actual experience.


SECTION 1.2: Challenging Norms: Exploring and Loving Oneself

A.What It Means to Be a Man

This program will focus on deconstructing notions of masculinity by providing space for facilitated discussion. Topics regarding various aspects of socially defined meanings of ‘manhood’ and its impact on individuals/families/communities will be brought up.

B.Parenting 101

Parenting is a two-person job yet ‘fathers’ are often not the target of parenting programs. That is why this program will be offered. Fathers will be

provided an opportunity to discuss parenting, related challenges and gain skills to promote positive parenting among men.

Follow Us

Follow Us

Contact Us

207-712-0312

  • mmohamed@changemaine.org

  • 95 Park Street #411 Lewiston Maine, 04240

  • Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm