they learnt about gender stereotypes, understandings of manhood and fatherhood during workshops run by NGO Sonke Gender Justice . They now care for people living with HIV, bathe the bedridden, counsel, educate about HIV prevention and transmission, facilitate access to anti-retroviral treatment, refer patients to social services and assist sick persons in writing their will. They also encourage community members to test for HIV, distribute condoms and help disadvantaged school children with their homework and cook for them. ?In most places in South Africa, gender stereotypes are present and practised,? says Sonke Eastern Cape project manager Patrick Godana. ?Men?s and women?s roles in society are divided, and as a result, men are often left out of community initiatives, particularly care and the upbringing of children. Very few men spend time with their children and as a result most men can hardly relate to their children.? ] ]