The Emalahleni Men’s Forum is on a mission and wants to bring change on how men are doing things.

The meeting was held on Tuesday, October 18 as an outreach programme at the Vosman taxi rank. They met the taxi operators to find out about their challenges as men.

Mr Frank Sithole, chairperson of the forum said they were trying to bring hope and to encourage men to speak out so that they can help each other.

“It is a known fact that men do not speak out, as operators we know that like any other men, they face challenges on a daily basis in the line of their work. Presently economically in the country we all face challenges and problems. We want to avoid or prevent men from committing suicide due to stress. Most men have family problems, but do not want to share them, so we want to assure them that we are there for them,” Sithole explained.

The forum also wants to encourage men to play part in the upbringing of their families and play an active role in community matters, as men are protectors.

The forum is also on a mission to raise funds for sanitary towels to donate to schools.

The forum was accompanied by members from Vosman Police (Men for Change) who encouraged men to open up and speak out about their challenges.

The men were also told that they can be referred to relevant stakeholders for help.

Historical stereotypes and patriarchy led to identifying transformed men who were to act as agents of change to influence and address stereotypes and identified attitudes.

Men For Change was established to play a critical role in dealing with issues that translate to crimes against humanity and which constitute gender-based violence, which in most cases involve firearms being used, femicide, alcohol and drug abuse.

These programmes form part of the strategic priorities of the SAPS.

Men for Change was pioneered by Corporate Services.

Men for Change looked beyond the masculinity of a man.

It looked at behavioural change, establishing a culture of open men, ensuring that men found their voices and roles when it comes to violence against women and children, necessitating men to start talking openly about their challenges and their roles in society, their shared visions and beliefs.

The objectives of Men for Change spoke about: Aligning its activities with the strategic business plan of the service, provide support structures for male employees of the service, facilitate the career development of males through training programmes, collaborate with the Women’s Network in promoting gender equality within the workplace and serves as a motivational structure that increases awareness and contributes to changing attitudes and stereotypes on gender issues.

The forum plans to visit other taxi ranks in eMalahleni to encourage men to come out and share their challenges and plays a part in their families and the community.

The taxi operators promised that they will work hand in hand with the forum.

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