Men gather to build each other
The aim of the eThekwini Metro Men's Sector is to afford men a safe place where they can share their problems openly without being judged.
MEN of all ages on the South Coast were recently given a chance to meet at the Umnini Thusong Center in Umgababa to talk about issues pertaining to men.
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The Department of Health, Department of Social Development, as well as eThekwini Municipality’s human resources department were at hand to offer advice. Launched in 2020, the eThekwini Metro Men’s Sector (EMMS) is a series of workshops held in different regions of the municipality to afford men an opportunity to give each other advice and freely talk about issues that other men can understand and relate to. EMMS deputy chairperson, Thabani Khumalo, said these workshops are needed because men generally do not express their feelings or talk about things that affect them emotionally.
“We talked about things that affect men personally and those around them. We are doing this as a way of building emotionally sound men, which will lead to stronger families and societies,” said Khumalo.
One of the topics covered was gender-based violence. While men are generally the main perpetrators of this crime, others have started to open up and reveal that they are also victims of abuse and violence.
“What became apparent as we talked is that men are under a lot of stress because of the lack of employment and other opportunities. This makes them feel worthless and in some cases they are disrespected by their partners and children in their households.”
He said there are plans in place to have this programme start at school level so that boys can be taught from a young age not to bottle up feelings. “That way, we will be ensuring that we build strong communities with caring men who protect those around them,” said Khumalo.
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