Masculinities Short Course Completed in Karachi
On 18 April 2025, the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training (GEST) programme, in collaboration with the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM), celebrated the successful completion of its pilot Men, Boys, and Masculinities hybrid online/in-person course in Karachi, Pakistan. A cohort of 17 individuals, drawn from diverse sectors including community development, academia, and student activism, received official certificates of completion, marking a significant milestone in GRÓ GEST's efforts to localize and hybridize its global education initiatives.
The Men, Boys, and Masculinities online course was designed with GRÓ GEST by international experts Jeff Hearn, Ann Phoenix, Kopano Ratele and Tamara Shefer, and aims to equip participants with critical tools to interrogate and transform harmful gender norms by exploring the social construction of masculinities and their intersections with power, media, education, and politics. Rooted in feminist and intersectional approaches, the course aimed to foster gender-equitable thinking among community practitioners, students, and academics in Pakistan.
This targeted rollout of the course, which ran throughout January 2025, attracted a high level of interest, with 139 individuals applying for very few available spots. Designed as a four-week, part-time learning experience, participants engaged in rigorous study during weekends, supplemented by weekly online check-ins facilitated by course organisers Sarmad Soomar and Dr. Thomas Brorsen Smidt. The course was delivered in English and hosted on the edX platform. Midway through the programme, Sarmad convened in-person meetings across three key locations—Habib University, the AKU School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Office in Karachi. This strategic approach enabled broad access to participants across the city.
Midway meeting and discussions at AKU-SONAM
Participant Reflections and Course Impact
During these mid-course interactions, participants shared powerful insights on the impact of the course content on their understanding of masculinity-related behaviours. By the final module, many reported feeling more systematic and rational in analyzing societal gender norms, and discussions frequently centred on the pervasive influence of media in shaping masculinities.
Participant feedback on the Men, Boys, and Masculinities course was overwhelmingly positive. Learners rated the course as either "excellent" or "good," commending its relevance to Pakistani societal contexts and its nuanced exploration of masculinities. Particular praise was directed toward the modules addressing the representation of masculinity in media, education, and politics, as well as the complex relationship between masculinity and mental health. The intersectional lens adopted throughout the course was widely lauded, enabling participants to understand masculinity at the crossroads of race, class, and global inequalities. Participants appreciated the weekly Zoom sessions, which offered spaces for peer learning and exchange, and many have already begun applying course concepts in their community work and academic environments. Learners from fields as diverse as psychology, physical therapy, and gender studies noted that the course enriched their professional capacities to critically engage with and support individuals navigating restrictive gender norms.
Midway meeting and discussions at the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Office
The Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony was held at the Aga Khan University, where certificates were distributed by Sarmad Soomar alongside Professor Dr. Tazeen Saeed Ali, Associate Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Dr. Saleema Gulzar, Director of Research and Innovation. The programme featured reflections by participant Rahila Meghani, a poetry performance by Maliha, and closing remarks by Dr. Gulzar. The event concluded with refreshments and a symbolic giveaway coordinated by Aamir, Assistant Manager for Research & Projects.
Among the graduates were a diverse and inspiring group of learners: a teacher completing a Masters in Education who envisioned more inclusive classrooms; a psychologist seeking to support men’s mental health by breaking masculine stereotypes; a community advocate focused on the intersection of gender, poverty, and economic development; a mother aspiring to raise her children in a gender-neutral and inclusive environment; and a nurse striving to embody the message that care work transcends gender norms.
From left: Sarmad Soomar, Dr. Tazeen Saeed, and Dr. Saleema Gulzar
Alumni Leadership and the Promise of Future Collaborations
The initiative holds special significance for GRÓ GEST, as it was sparked by the alumni leadership of Sarmad Soomar, whose vision and outreach laid the foundation for this collaboration. GRÓ GEST takes immense pride in Sarmad’s initiative, which exemplifies the transformative potential of alumni-led innovation and the importance of fostering sustained global partnerships.
The successful rollout of the Men, Boys, and Masculinities course in Karachi underscores GRÓ GEST's capacity to co-create innovative, contextually grounded educational experiences that foster critical reflection, professional growth, and societal change. With invaluable support from AKU-SONAM and the dedication of the participants, this pilot has laid a robust foundation for potential future hybrid offerings that bridge online learning with local, in-person engagement.
The GRÓ GEST programme extends heartfelt congratulations to all graduates and sincere thanks to all partners and facilitators who made this pioneering initiative possible.