In english
The Miessakit Association is a non-governmental expert organisation of men that aims to support men's mental, psychological and social growth, to promote interfamilial interaction and family life, to strengthen the foundation for gender equality among men, and to develop the structures for solidarity and mutual help between men furthering these aims.
The establishment of Miessakit ry was a result of group activity for men's mutual growth started by Senior Trainer Antti-Veikko Perheentupa at the start of the 1990s in the Greater Helsinki area. The men who attended the groups experienced the group process so important a support for their life that they decided to establish an association under the lead of Perheentupa. The purpose was to build up a mutual support network for men throughout the country. The network helps in starting various activities that support men in meeting the new and old challenges in present society.
The main activities of the association are:
- the men's groups (Miesryhmätoiminta)
- the help in divorce crises (Erosta Elossa)
- the work to support fathers (Isätoiminta)
- the help for men in finding an alternative to intimate partner violence (Lyömätön Linja)
- the work to support immigrant men (Vieraasta Veljeksi)
- the societal influence from the male point of view
- the malespesific training
The association has gathered as its important support structure a nation-wide contact person network operating at present in about 20 localities in Finland.
The main financier of the activities is the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY).