Far gone are the days when men were expected to internalise their struggles and suffer in silence.

The newly launched Region E Men’s Parliament is set to rewrite that narrative, offering men a platform to speak openly about numerous challenges, including gender-based violence and mental health issues. It will also serve as a platform that seeks solutions to these challenges.

Officially launched on September 18 in Sandton, the Men’s Parliament builds on the momentum of Indoda Wednesday dialogues. It will convene quarterly, bringing together men from diverse organisations to reflect on their work, measure impact, and document progress.

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“The main objective is to gather men in a single place and give them a safe space to talk about their issues,” said Charles Mphephu, chairperson of the Men’s Parliament. “They will be coming together from different organisations so that their work, conducted in their respective communities, can be measured and documented.”
Mphephu, who has been leading Indoda Wednesday sessions at EMS Be Safe Centre in Alexandra, emphasised the importance of ward-level engagement. “Each ward is supposed to have Indoda Wednesday, so that we do not leave anyone behind,” he said.

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Beyond creating space for men to speak, the initiative aims to mobilise support around urgent societal issues, particularly mental health, substance abuse and gender-based violence. “By engaging men directly, we can tackle harmful behaviours and attitudes, promote accountability, and work towards safer families and communities,” said attendee Sibusiso Shongwe.

He further highlighted how the platform addressed men’s mental health needs. “Men often struggle in silence with depression, stress, and trauma. The Men’s Parliament creates a space where they can open up and access support.”

While the Region E Parliament will meet quarterly in Sandton, an interim committee has been established to coordinate weekly Indoda Wednesday dialogues across wards. “After all these dialogues, we will meet every quarter to get feedback, and that feedback will be taken to the district’s Men’s Parliament in Connie Bapela Council Chamber,” Mphephu added.

Mphephu shared that their goal was to ensure that no one was left behind. With the interim committees now in place, Region E is laying the groundwork for men’s consistent and community-rooted engagement.

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