By Precious Mupenzi.

• ⁠As the country intensifies efforts to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and with June observed as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Department of Social Development is convening a Provincial Men’s Dialogue at Mmabatho Palms in North West.
• The gathering brings together government, civil society and faith-based leaders to reflect on masculinity, mental health and the role of men in building safer, more resilient communities.
• This dialogue is part of a broader effort to shift harmful social norms, promote gender justice and confront the emotional and structural pressures faced by men today.

The Men’s Dialogue, held under the theme “Men’s Involvement in Social Change,” forms part of the Department’s contribution to the national 90-day GBVF response plan and aligns with the recently launched White Paper on Families, which emphasises the importance of strong family structures. It also builds on continental commitments under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and follows the Second African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity hosted in Pretoria in 2023.

Speaking at the event, Mr Tshepo Mudavheni, Assistant Director for Gender and Women Empowerment at the Department of Social Development, said, “We cannot realise a society free of gender-based violence without critically interrogating assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism and sexism. Men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and girls. At the same time, they have the power to bring about the change we so sorely need.”

The dialogue offers men a safe space to discuss issues such as mental health, suicide, HIV and reproductive health, and the pressure to conform to outdated stereotypes. Delegates speak openly about the lack of emotional support available to men, the stigma they face, and the impact of toxic masculinity on their wellbeing and relationships.

One participant shared a concern that men often suffer in silence when experiencing verbal, emotional and financial abuse. He said, “It is so unfortunate that men are always on the forefront of crime, GBV and other issues. But the reality of the matter is that we are also going through so much and there is no one to defend us.”

The programme includes expert presentations and community-led dialogues aimed at challenging traditional views of masculinity and encouraging men to embrace empathy, caregiving and vulnerability.

By centring the voices of men while calling for greater accountability and compassion, the Men’s Dialogue is a step toward creating a society rooted in mutual respect, dignity and equality. The Department of Social Development remains committed to this vision, one in which men and women can thrive side by side, free from violence and fear.