… During International Men’s Day commemoration
BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE– “I invite men to be creators of safe environments in their households, community and in the world.”
These were sentiments shared by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, who was present at the commemoration of the International Men’s Day that takes place on November 19 every year. The event was held today at the Ezulwini Umphakatsi where discussions on different topics including men’s health, Gender Based Violence (GBV) and gender roles were explored by all those in attendance.
The DPM mentioned how, on this day, men around the world advocated being part of the solution as opposed to be the known part of the problem or drivers of gender inequalities as well as violence against women and children in particular.
“The objectives of the International Men’s Day include a focus on the health of men and boys, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and highlighting positive male role models. It is also an occasion whereby men deliberate on discrimination against men, celebrate their positive achievements as well as contributions to communities, places of work, friendships, families, marriages, and child care,” said Masuku.
The DPM highlighted the theme titled ‘Celebrating Brotherhood’, of this year’s commemoration stating that it was based on the six pillars of international men’s day and how this day aimed to focus on men’s health and well-being, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
“Our aim is to inspire more men to ‘Make Time for Brothers’. This year’s theme is very relevant to our country’s current situation in the sense that it encourages emaSwati men to care for one another. The country is witnessing brutal killings of men. Businesses and household properties belonging to our brothers have been tortured, burnt and looted by other men, who are supposed to be their brother’s keepers. Fathers are sexually abusing their daughters and killing their wives, yet they are the ones to protect and love them,” said the DPM.
Masuku went on to caution all men who perpetrate violence and arson against other men emphasising that such acts do not only affect those men but the lives of their wives, children and parents.
“Once again May I invite men to be creators of safe environments in their households, community and in the world, where girls and boys can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.
“The National Surveillance Report of 2021 reveals that most of the survivors of abuse are women and girls at 69 per cent (10 173) while men and boys make up 31 per cent (4 656). It is still noted that men do not report cases of domestic violence in fear of being mocked or humiliated. However, the Office encourages men that GBV service providers are available to render services to them without humiliation. Government in collaboration with partners has invested immensely in the training of service providers working on GBV, men’s health and finances,” said Masuku.
The DPM finally noted that organisations such as Kwakha Indvodza, amongst others were spearheading good programmes for men and boys and how these organisations needed up-scaling for better reach and impact in the society.
He therefore encouraged civil society and government departments to continue the good work and invite partners in development to continue supporting initiatives aimed at addressing these gender inequalities through the effective engagement of men and boys.
During an interview with Mgcineni Ndlangamandla, Sexual Reproductive Health Officer, he shared that the men in attendance were engaged in the topics that were discussed throughout the proceedings of the event.
“One thing that the men in attendance asked for was more time to discuss these issues and continue engaging with other men as there was so much that they had to learn,” said Ndlangamandla.
