QLD - GIDAC "Gentlemen in Design and Construction" 'Breaking the Stigmas' (Key) Networking Event

To some, masculinity is a dirty word and often times it's a word that is bound by stigmas and pressure to conform to the stereotypes that society and our peer groups deem appropriate. In the past, economic, political and social expectations have been that men seek and achieve dominance. But what does it mean to be a man in 2023 and how should men act in the workplace so they aren't being domineering, misogynistic, socially inappropriate or insensitive to certain minority groups in the way they act and communicate?

The stereotypes and stigmas surrounding men in our male dominated industries can force men to feel like they have to earn more, be more, climb higher, be masculine not empathetic, like sports, be emotionless and do it all while providing or building a comfortable future for themselves and/or their families. But what cost does this come at to their mental health if they find it difficult to share when they are struggling or failing?

Women are generally good at talking and sharing with others in their support network when they need it.. So why aren't men?

In our GIDAC national event series we look at how we can break through these stigmas and provide better support to our male friends and family, employees, colleagues, and industry connections so that all men feel supported and able to be themselves both at work and at home. Traditional male gender roles consequently stigmatise and limit the emotions boys and then men may comfortably express so lets explore ways to change the narrative and provide positive examples of happy, healthy balanced men who are thriving being themselves in our workplaces.

A huge thank you to our national event series partner for our GIDAC events Zenith who have partnered with WIDAC during Men's Mental Health Week 2023 to bring you these events in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. We can't wait to host you in their beautiful showrooms for a catch up over great food, wines and beers while we have the conversations that matter.