Men’s Conference taught what being a real man means
Francistown Mayor Godisang Radisigo has urged men to open up and not cover up their problems as that will help create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Men’s Day, Radisigo noted that while there was no doubt about the important role men and boys play in ending the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it was equally important to highlight the trauma men face and how this affects behaviours.
International Men’s day is celebrated the world-over to promote a positive male image and to highlight issues which modern men are facing today including important topics like toxic masculinity, mental health issues and increase in suicides.
“We can all agree that men play a vital role in our society, most of the time as men we are always associated with bad things. When you talk about GBV, it’s usually the men who are the perpetrators. That’s why we need campaigns like these.
“This day allows us to assess the challenges facing men today, exploring issues such as mental and physical health, education and professional advancement, as well as the roles men play in community and family life,” he said.
He added that many men are struggling in these areas and due to “stereotypical notions of masculinity,” they are unable to cope and deal with the challenges they are faced with in a healthy manner.
This necessitates action on the part of the larger society especially leaders to ensure that the needs of men and boys are met and not neglected, as this could lead to a perpetuation of some of the harmful behaviour and issues.
He said that real and positive men are those who make an effort to be better every day, for the good of their families and society in general. “To be a real man means to know how to face your mistakes, how to forgive, learn to love, and try to help everyone who needs you,” he said.
Ministry of Youth Gender, Sport and Culture (MYGSC) District Coordinator, Tiny Gontse reiterated that the day themed, ‘Promoting Positive Conversation about manhood and masculinity,’ was very important and should be used to encourage men who are experiencing mental health problems to seek help by opening up and talking to someone.