The Men's Academy for the Future of Women in China
Sias University
Henan Province, China
Spring 2012
I am in China and teaching young women in the World Academy for the Future of Women. We teach these women how to be world leaders with a focus on the UN Millennium Goals. This program has been part of Sias University's curriculum for ten years. There are about 80 young women in this program.
Last year, some of the young men on campus approached Jerrie (the director of the World Academy for the Future of Women) and asked her to start a Men's Academy. Jerrie thought they wanted to start the group to promote men. But they told her that they were interested in promoting the needs of women in China. One young man told the story about his sister. She is smarter than he is. However, he was the one sent to school. She had to stay home after middle school and work on the farm.
Another student told the story of his aunt who was raped and then shunned by her village. She had no options available to her once she became damaged goods. He understood that this was wasted talent and unfair.
So Jerrie started the Men's Academy last year with 12 male students. This year, enrollment is up to 40 students. They meet once a week and think up ways to promote opportunities for women in China. Their genuineness and kindness are charming and inspiring.
