Pressing societal challenges tackled at men’s conference
Men are five times more likely to die by suicide than women in South Africa
MEN were on Sunday given a platform to engage in social issues at the Indoda Ayikhulume Men’s Conference held at Cinci community hall in uMfolozi. Organised by Inhlansiyethemba Community Development (ICD) NPC, the symposium touched on issues including gender-based violence, men's health, financial strains, LGBTIQ+, parenting, cultures and beliefs. Addressing participants, ICD director Bheki Zikhali said this was a safe space for men to engage on issues that affect them against a backdrop of high societal expectations. “As a result of this, men suffer from depression and anxiety, but do not speak until it is too late. “That's why South African men are five times more likely to die by suicide than women,” said Zikhali.
He said ICD is creating programmes that will focus on male empowerment, men’s rights, and sexual orientation.
Another conference speaker, Nkosinathi Mtinga of Saps, encouraged men to use the services available rather than bottling up issues.
He added that it was a myth that Saps does not attend to male victims of GBV when cases are reported.
Entrepreneurship was emphasised as a way to tackle unemployment an issue believed to perpetuate the ongoing GBV.
Moreover, attendees were encouraged to assist single mothers, especially their siblings, who are raising male children, by becoming father figures and mentoring children.
The conference was attended by government departments and civil society organisations including Saps, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, uMfolozi Civil Society, Stand Out, TAC, Impiloyesizwe, Intsha-Inamandla Youth Centre, Vessel of Change Brotherhood, LGBTIQ+ Centre, Khubazi Foundation, KZNPLHIV and Rural & Township African Youth Business Association.