EngenderHealth/Men as Partners has produced this educational tool which focuses on “redefining masculinity” in the era of gender-based violence, HIV, and AIDS. The ten-minute DVD, the first in the series called "Men: Telling it Like it is...", follows three characters who take the audience through their experiences with HIV and being a man in a democratic South Africa. The characters highlight key HIV prevention messages related to getting tested for HIV, choosing abstinence, and confronting sexual harassment.

The DVD challenges traditional and unhealthy male gender norms linked to masculinity. It does this through the three characters who have been exposed to Men as Partners (MAP) workshops. The first character, a 23-year-old man, describes himself as a former ‘player’. Upon knowing his HIV status, he chooses to abstain from sexual activity. The second character highlights the importance of knowing one’s HIV status early. Though he says it has not been an easy process, he has to be a "real man" and get tested. By knowing his status, he is ready to continue with the big plans he has for his life. The third character, a 32-year-old construction worker, reflects on how he used to harass women. As a result of the workshops, he now challenges men who harass women and encourages other men who see women being harassed to speak out.

According to the publishers, the DVD has been developed for use in various settings by using local dialect with English subtitles; however, the key audience is young people (aged 15-30) from both rural and urban settings.

This video project has been made possible by funding provided by the United States Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Southern Africa Mission and the Access, Quality, and Use in Reproductive Health (ACQUIRE) Initiative.

To obtain a copy of the DVD please see contact details below.

Email from Kent Klindera to Soul Beat Africa on January 11 2008.