Heidelberg Hospital is taking a bold step to challenge stereotypes about men and tackle gender-based violence with the launch of a new Men’s Forum, set to launch on April 24.

The initiative aims to provide men with a safe space to speak openly about their experiences, emotions, and responsibilities.

Chairperson of the Men’s Forum and a cleaner at the hospital, Setete Joseph Khanye, said the forum was created to give men a voice and to encourage them to take responsibility in their personal and family lives.

“As men, we often bottle up our emotions and struggles, and society has unfairly given us a bad reputation when it comes to gender-based violence. We want to take back our power in a positive way, so women and children can feel safe around us. This forum is a space where men can openly discuss their challenges, share their experiences, and seek guidance on becoming better fathers, partners, and role models. Many of us grew up without fathers, and life doesn’t come with a manual. We hope to provide mentorship and practical guidance to help men navigate relationships, family responsibilities, and their own emotional well-being,” he said.

Khanye said that the forum also focuses on mental health and personal growth.

“We want men to understand that it’s okay to ask for help, to deal with emotional or mental health issues, and to express their feelings without shame. By creating this safe space, we aim to break the cycle of violence, promote healthy behaviour, and encourage accountability.

“Our goal is to groom men to take responsibility for their actions, to value family, and to develop themselves as individuals so they can contribute positively to their communities,” he said.

Khanye added that the Men’s Forum will offer confidential sessions where men can share their experiences, seek advice, and learn how to be responsible fathers and community members.

“We hope that the Men’s Forum will encourage men to come forward, speak openly, and seek guidance. We want to create a culture where men can be honest about their struggles, learn to control their actions, and build better relationships with their families.

“This is about creating better men, better fathers, and ultimately safer communities for everyone. Funds for the forum are raised through weekly car washes every Thursday, and so far the initiative relies on internal support from hospital staff, with approval from the CEO and additional assistance from other employees,” he said.