Working Group on Men in Early Childhood Education

The Working Group on Men in Early Childhood Education (MECE) provides a global meeting place for male and female early childhood professionals to reflect on the value of gender balance in early childhood education and the benefits and barriers to men's full participation, and to identify actions to promote these important issues worldwide.

In 2008, the World Forum Foundation and MECE leadership team hosted the first ever Working Forum on Men in Early Care and Education, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 150 early childhood professionals from 12 nations gathered to explore issues, such as the value of gender balance in early childhood education, barriers to men's full participation in the field, myths and stereotypes on men in early childhood care, and strategies for increasing male involvement on a global level.

Members of the leadership team gathered at the 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education to explore some of these issues with the greater World Forum audience. The 2011 World Forum on Early Care and Education will no doubt explore topics on Men in Early Childhood Education.