Across different contexts, young men face strong social pressures about how they should behave, express emotions, and relate to others. These expectations often reinforce harmful stereotypes that affect wellbeing, relationships, and gender equality. In both England and Nepal, young people themselves are increasingly leading conversations to reshape these norms in more positive and inclusive ways.
Promoting Positive Masculinities in England and Nepal
“What it Means to Be a Young Man Today” is a youth-led project operating in England and Nepal that works with young men to rethink masculinity in ways that promote equality, respect, and responsibility. Launched on International Men’s Day, the project runs over six months and uses storytelling, community action, and cross-border collaboration to challenge harmful stereotypes and highlight positive alternatives.
The project is led by four young leaders known as Positive Masculinity Champions—two based in Nepal and two in the UK. The connection between young people in England and Nepal allows for shared learning across different contexts shaped by migration, economic pressure, and online polarisation. These exchanges build understanding and solidarity while showing that many challenges around masculinity are shared across borders. The project offers a youth led approach to promoting positive masculinities that supports stronger social bonds and more inclusive, peaceful communities.
Meet our Positive Masculinity Champions
Name: Ankit Chaudhary
Address: Sarlahi, Nepal
Ankit Chaudhary is a youth advocate and community volunteer from Barahathawa in Sarlahi District, Nepal. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology alongside a Diploma in Pharmacy, an interdisciplinary background that strengthens his understanding of social development, public wellbeing, and community resilience. Ankit is committed to promoting positive masculinity, gender equality, and social justice. Through volunteerism and community engagement, he works to challenge deeply rooted patriarchal norms and support men and boys to become accountable, empathetic, and equitable contributors to social transformation.
Name: Bikash Sah
Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Bikash Sah is a youth leader and climate advocate from Janakpurdham, Nepal, currently studying for a Bachelor in Business Studies. His work sits at the intersection of education, climate action, and social change. Bikash has collaborated with initiatives supported by the British Council, the U.S. Embassy, and international youth platforms, engaging large numbers of young people through literacy programmes, STEM education, environmental advocacy, and policy dialogue. From local communities to global forums such as COP 29, he champions youth led solutions, inclusive leadership, and practical action towards a more just and sustainable future.
Name: Kesar Iqbal
Address: Newcastle, England
Kesar Iqbal is a British pharmacy student with a strong interest in men’s health and wellbeing. His work explores how modern lifestyles affect physical and mental health, with a focus on evidence based approaches to nutrition, self care, and resilience. Alongside his studies, Kesar supports young men to develop healthier relationships with their bodies, emotions, and responsibilities, promoting balance, self awareness, and positive choices. His interests align with building forms of masculinity that value wellbeing, accountability, and respect for self and others.
Name: Vincent Phillips
Address: Newcastle, England
Vincent Phillips is a youth advocate based in Newcastle, England, working with Restless Development to promote youth voice, equality, and meaningful participation at local and global levels. He is particularly interested in using creativity, writing, and the arts as tools for expression and social change among young people. Vincent studied A Level Philosophy, Law, and English Language at Newcastle Sixth Form College, and continues to explore how critical thinking and creativity can empower young people to shape more inclusive communities.
Alignment with Global Goals
This work contributes to global commitments on gender equality, peace and social cohesion, and youth led partnerships, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 5 Gender Equality
- SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Where:
The programme will take place in Madhesh Province, Nepal and Newcastle, England
Period:
2025 November – 2026 April
Partners:
Restless Development UK and Restless Development Nepal
Donor:
British Council
