Alexandra men prepare for Region E men’s parliament launch
Alexandra men met on Tuesday to prepare for the launch of Region E men’s parliament – a platform that will help men speak openly about numerous issues plaguing the community, including gender-based violence.
Men from Alexandra gathered at the EMS Be Safe Centre on Tuesday for a plenary meeting ahead of the Region E men’s parliament launch. The meeting was part of a resolution taken at the Braamfontein men’s parliament in April.
Charles Mphephu, the manager of FAN Champions for Change, said: “We said we are going to launch a subdistrict men’s parliament for men to come together in their regions and talk about the issues that they are facing on a daily basis.”
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The meeting gave men an opportunity to speak about a myriad of issues, including the active participation of men, along with the wider community, in addressing community challenges, securing sponsorships for the men’s forum, and forming media partnerships ahead of the launch.
Chris Ndlovu, one of the participants, said the upcoming launch of the men’s parliament is an important step in changing how men are seen in the context of gender-based violence (GBV). “Most of the time, when we look at GBV, which is a pandemic in our country, people look at us as perpetrators, not victims.”
He added that the parliament will give men a chance to express their concerns, and be recognised for the challenges they face. “I think it’s important to go there, to voice our concerns and be seen as victims, and, at the same time, to know that we are being recognised as men. Our challenges need to be recognised as well.”
Ndlovu said the initiative is new and necessary. “As men, we need gatherings like this, where we discuss a lot of things.”
He also pointed to the importance of mental health and accountability, noting that the parliament will become a crucial, multi-purpose platform, where men can seek help, but also be held accountable.
The Region E men’s parliament will officially launch on September 18, and is expected to serve as a platform for men to engage in open dialogue, reflect on their roles in society, and access support services.
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