curtains, says Sonke co-director Dean Peacock: ?It?s not as bad as it seems. More men practise gender equality than we are aware of. But they do it quietly because they fear being ostracised and stigmatised. Gender discrimination is very powerful.? In South Africa, studies show that women still do ten times more care work then men, says Peacock, but he is convinced that this imbalance is gradually shifting towards a more equal approach to caring and rearing. ?It?s not a matter of black and white. Our realities are more complex. There are a few men that have become role models and practice gender equality. Not many, but they are there,? he explains. Men?s involvement in care and child rearing is becoming increasingly important due to the high HIV/Aids related mortality of women in South Africa. Households are without women, children are left without mothers ? and the roles they have played remain unfilled. ?That?s why it?s so critical that men, and especially fathers, get more actively involved,? says Peacock. Since July, Sonke taught men about gender roles in society, encouraged them to take a positive stand against gender-based violence, volunteer for HIV testing, take care of their own and their families? health and play a more constructive role within their communities. ]