The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) is seeking to raise awareness on the effects of social issues and empower men on the importance of their roles.
And in observation of International Men’s Day on Sunday, the Ministry held its annual ‘Engage Men 3’ event.
The event, which was held on the National Park tarmac on Saturday, is designed to promote cohesive and stable family environments, raise awareness about gender roles, shared responsibility, and men’s health and well-being.
It saw groups of men and boys coming together to participate in various activities including a cookout competition, games and empowerment sessions on various topics.
Speaking to the News Room, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said the initiative which was launched three years ago has proven to be impactful, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And the goal, she said is to ensure it continues.
“Engage is exactly what we want to do. Engagement and let them understand that when the Ministry of Human Services reaches out about empowerment, it’s not only about women. It’s about tackling the issues men face, having the frank conversation and looking at how we can engage men on the necessary conversations on social issues like gender-based violence, sexual offences, children, family and their own selves,” Dr Persaud explained.
Since the launch, Dr Persaud said the Ministry has been engaging men in all the regions, developing men’s groups and working with them on areas such as anger management, conflict resolution and mental health and well-being.
“This kind of interface with men will continue in 2024 and we always through International Men’s Day see the opportunity to have a more edutainment type event,” Dr Persaud said.
She added, “…This type of event across the country to really put men at ease and help them understand it’s okay to be vulnerable, share, deal with emotions, have issues and there are people who are there to support you.”
At the event, men of various diversity, ages and professions gathered together to participate in the activities.
They shared their thoughts on topical issues men are faced with on a daily basis and how they would respond.
“I believe we as men need to understand how to deal with our emotions and seek help. Also…these women, we should know how to value them and treat then. If you feel that relationship is not for you walk out because at the end of the day, we are losing our sisters, daughters, mother by men who feel entitled. It is your duty as a man to speak up, seek help and break that generational curse,” Delroy Mark, one of the participants shared.
