The Generation Gender (Gen G) South African Coalition hosted the second installment of the “Moments with Men” national campaign. The campaign aimed to address the pressing issue of escalating male suicide rates and promote better mental health among men. The theme for this year’s campaign was ‘Men at Work,’ and it sought to empower men to become allies in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
South Africa is grappling with an alarming increase in suicide rates, with men disproportionately affected. According to the South Africa Society of Psychiatrists report, South Africa is ranked tenth on the list of countries with the highest suicide rates, with 23.5 suicides per 100,000 people. Out of the 13,774 suicides reported in South Africa, a staggering 10,861 were among men. This crisis demands re-evaluating how we approach men’s mental health issues.
To combat this crisis, the Generation Gender South African Coalition hosted a Provincial Imbizo that took place on the 11th of November 2023 in Johannesburg South Africa, with the theme “Men at work.” This event focused on destigmatisation of men’s mental health and providing men with tools to become effective allies in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
The “Men at Work” imbizo created a safe and supportive environment in which men from all walks of life may congregate and participate in mental health interventions. These interventions will provide them with the information and skills they need to manage mental health concerns and advocate against Gender-Based Violence.
It is a grim fact that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often turning to destructive behaviours like substance abuse, intimate partner violence, or suicide. It is time to change this narrative and provide men with the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health.
The “Men at Work” Imbizo will included artistic performances by Makhafula Vilakazi and Okolom, as well as keynote addresses by influential figures such as Dr. Jerry Mofokeng, Nick Nzama, Bongani Luvalo, Siv Ngesi, Ntsikelelo Mzimbomvu, and Siyabulela Jentile and David Kau as a programme director.
The Imbizo also provided a variety of activities and services. The Imbozo also included a mental health master class and a conversation with the Gentlemen’s Clinic, in which professionals from a men’s clinic and a podcast explored crucial health concerns impacting men. Café sessions were organized in which men met in groups to discuss mental health interventions, destigmatize mental health topics, and engage in creative activities. A self-care area with exercise taught by activist Siv Ngesi and grooming activities emphasized the need for self-care as a mental health intervention.
The Generation Gender partnership is rooted in the promotion of gender equality and the eradication of violence in our communities. By challenging harmful gender norms, addressing unequal power dynamics, and facilitating youth agency, it aims to create a gender-just society. This Imbizo intends to empower the Generation G Champions, volunteers to become ambassadors for men’s mental health globally.