better[MEN]t Awards
Don't nominate the man everyone knows. Nominate the man who changed you.
Empathy
Open to men aged 18+ in Tamil Nadu
Care & Trust
Anyone 18+ can nominate
Wellness
6 Award Categories
Safe Community
Ceremony on 20 November 2026
@ Venue TBD
About the Awards
Recognising the men who quietly show us a better way
The betterMENt Awards recognise everyday men whose actions show caregiving, integrity, inclusion, mentoring and sustained contribution at home, at work and in their communities. We do not reward fame, wealth, job titles or social media following. We look for credible, verifiable stories of positive masculinity.
Nominations are followed by independent feedback, safeguarding checks and an independent jury evaluation, so that every recognition is earned and every story is real.
Why these awards?
Social expectations of men are changing. These awards promote a model of leadership grounded in service, accountability, emotional wellbeing, respect and gender equality. They build on AWARE India Trust's work in gender-based violence prevention, safeguarding and positive masculinities, including the UnMASC and better{MEN}t initiatives.
Recognise consistent, positive role modelling rather than celebrity or professional status.
Encourage shared caregiving, equitable relationships and respectful conflict resolution.
Promote men's emotional wellbeing, help-seeking and responsible responses to harm.
Inspire boys and young men through relatable, verifiable examples.
Nurture ethical leadership, mentorship and community action.
Don't nominate the man everyone knows. Nominate the man who changed you.
• About the Organizer
AWARE India Trust works to create safe spaces for everyone, everywhere. Its work spans gender-based violence prevention, safeguarding and positive masculinities.
Founded as a registered trust, AWARE leads grassroots advocacy, awareness workshops, and community circles across schools, colleges, workplaces, communities, public and online spaces to dismantle cultures of gender-based violence.
Through partnerships with schools, civic institutions, and neighborhood forums, the organization equips youth, educators, and men with the tools to champion emotional wellbeing and active bystander intervention.
Award Categories
The betterMENt Awards celebrate everyday men in Tamil Nadu who redefine masculinity through steady care, ethical leadership, vulnerability, and mutual respect.
Family Role Model
Professional Integrity & Leadership
Community Builder
Active caregiving, emotional availability, fair conflict resolution and shared family responsibility.
Ethical decisions, inclusive leadership, mentoring and fairness at work.
Sustained voluntary service, mobilisation and measurable local contribution.
Youth Mentor / Educator
Lifetime Positive Influence (Senior)
Emerging Role Model (Under 35)
Consistent mentorship, youth development, life skills and safeguarding.
Longstanding, intergenerational positive influence and service.
Positive early leadership, care and integrity among younger men.
Focus Pillars
Core areas driving reflection, equality, and holistic health.
Reflections on Care
19 Nov Initiative
"Sharing vulnerability with my sons broke cycles of silent stress and brought us closer."
— Rajesh
"Taking equal paternity care and home chores showed me what genuine partnership means."
— Amit K.
"In our workplace, men talking candidly about mental health has built tremendous trust."
— Neil S.
Our Impact
Celebrating positive actions in homes and workplaces every day.
