International Men’s Day 2025: Supporting Men and Boys – A Deeper Conversation on Leadership, Gender, and Growing Up

Date: Wednesday, 19 Nov. 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: RIFS Potsdam, Kleist Villa, Berliner Str. 130, 14467 Potsdam

This workshop is organized as part of the independent research of Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellow Adina-Iuliana Deacu at the RIFS. While it takes inspiration from the global theme of International Men’s Day 2025: “Supporting Men and Boys,” it is not affiliated with, nor does it represent, the official International Men’s Day website or its organizing team.

The event creates space to reflect on how growing-up environments shape men and boys—and how those early experiences influence the leaders they become, whether regenerative or extractive. Participants will watch an interview with social scientist Richard V. Reeves, hear a short research presentation by Adina, and engage in small group discussions through the lens of the “Invisible Backpack”—a metaphor for the formative experiences we all carry into adulthood.

“The greatest damage done by neglect, trauma or emotional loss is not the immediate pain they inflict but the long-term distortions they induce in the way a developing child will continue to interpret the world and her situation in it.” ― Gabor Maté, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction

This exploration is part of Adina’s broader fellowship research at RIFS on redefining business as “an entity that solves social issues and creates social value in a financially sustainable way” as a response to climate change. Within this frame, the workshop highlights a critical subtheme: how unresolved childhood trauma can shape systems of power, privilege, and leadership models.

Are we raising boys into leaders who build regenerative systems or extractive ones? How does unresolved childhood trauma influence power, privilege, and the performance of masculinity? And most importantly: how can we support men and boys in becoming their fullest, healthiest selves in a way that benefits everyone, not just men?

What to Expect

Together, we will:

• Warm up with a brief ice-breaker to ease into connection
• Watch a 20-minute interview with renowned social scientist Richard V. Reeves, whose work on modern masculinity and male disadvantage has sparked international discussion
• Engage with a short presentation from RIFS Fellow Adina-Iuliana Deacu, exploring:
  o    Why it’s still important to celebrate International Men’s Day beyond gender binaries
  o    Why we must start talking about gender equality from an environmental and psychological development perspective
  o    How early trauma may unconsciously shape the systems we design or uphold as adults, beyond gender labels.
• Break into small group discussions to reflect on what we’ve learned and exchange perspectives to encourage mutual learning, understanding and support.
• Enjoy light snacks, refreshments, and informal networking

Who Can Join?

The workshop is open to any individual interested in the topic or who feels this type of dialogue is necessary. Participation is not limited by gender identity or labels—everyone is welcome to contribute to building a deeper understanding of how early environments influence leadership, relationships, and social change.

Why This Matters

As we seek to build regenerative futures and more equitable societies, we must also tend to the roots and strive for collective healing. Supporting men and boys is not a zero-sum issue—it contributes to healthier relationships, more inclusive societies, and leadership models that regenerate rather than extract. This workshop offers an inclusive, reflective, and research-based space where participants of all genders can share insights, broaden perspectives, and co-create pathways toward collective healing.

Register here: https://eveeno.com/internationalmensday2025

Additional Resources 

https://www.internationalmensday.info/

Disclaimer:
“This event is part of independent research conducted by a RIFS Fellow and is not affiliated with or representative of the official International Men’s Day organization.”