Men speak with one voice at Groom A Brother dialogue in Atteridgeville
The organisation presented its first men's dialogue in Atteridgeville, tackling issues such as GBV, youth unemployment, and more.
Men’s health organisation Groom-A-Brother presented its first men’s dialogue at an Atteridgeville restaurant on April 13 for male residents to indulge in conversations about manhood.
According to founder Olorato Gwebu, the purpose was to provide a safe space for men to discuss issues such as crime, safety, unemployment, mental health, gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse.
Gwebu said they have just started this programme and so far have partnered with Dipeu Tsa Tshwane and the Friends In Disaster Risk Reduction Africa organisation.
“With Groom A Brother, we target taverns and places where guys normally chill,” she said.
Gwebu said they were targeting 100 men, but due to a skills development registration that took place at a nearby school, only half pitched up at Lifestyle Pheli restaurant.
She and the founder and president of Dipeu Tsa Tshwane Samuel Masilela, put their heads together to include the men in building conversations about issues that affect them.
“The purpose of the dialogue was a success because all young and old men spoke in one voice in advancing positive masculinity and standing against gender-based violence and misogyny,” said Masilela.
“Even women were also invited to share views and challenges they face daily,” he said.
According to Gwebu, there is also a Groom A Sister organisation with its programmes where they mostly go to schools to speak to teenage girls about issues such as GBV, consent in relationships, pregnancy prevention and sex education.
They also touched on youth unemployment, businesses and other sectors of the economy, skills development and training, as well as fundraising opportunities.
The organisation wants to reduce the number of men who commit suicide due to unemployment and not being able to provide for their families.
Picture supplied
According to the suicide rates in the Country World Population Review, South Africa is ranked 10th at a rate of 23.5 per 100 000 people.
Suicide among men is disproportionately higher than among women according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP).
International Spirit Salvation Ministries, Minister Tshepo Lebepe said it was good to see young adults being there to come to learn, full of ideas and ready to equip and grow themselves.
“The energy in the room and the audience response was so amazing,” he said.
Next month, the men’s dialogue programme by Groom A Brother will take place at Nkomo Village in Atteridgeville.
Picture: Supplied
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