We need to recognise our young men and their challenges
In light of 16 days of activism for No Violence against Women and Children, many residents argue that young men also have their challenges and most just want to feel like a part of society.
POLOKWANE – The country currently commemorates the United Nations Campaign, 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
The campaign has, however, brought some concerns in the community to light during this time as young men pleaded with authorities to recognise the challenges they are confronted with. Many residents argue that most neglected boys are the biggest contributors to the high rate of crime-related activities in the country. Blessing Ndlovu from Seshego said not all young men who commit crime were born criminals, but cannot see another way due to their upbringing. “Not all men are born criminals, some commit crime because of difficult circumstances and parental and societal neglect. It is the responsibility of the parents to protect the boys and ensure they are included in the needed programmes. We understand that women are vulnerable, but young men also have their challenges. Most of these men don’t need much, they just want to feel like a part of society. They also need their 16 days of activism.”
Dumisa Moremi, who is also from Seshego, said we need to nurture empowered young men who, in the near future, will be able to protect women, stand on their own and not feel like outcasts.
“But how do we create that if attention is only given to women? We hardly have any government initiatives or programmes aimed to protect, empower and equip young men with life skills. We need to bring to them together so that they can share those challenges and find solutions,” Moremi said.
He argues that most suicide cases are commonly found in men due to a lack of support either from their families, bosses, spouses or the community they belong to.
“Young men are abused at workplaces, schools and at their homes and they don’t have a voice. When they speak up, no one believes them and there are limited platforms where they feel safe. We would like to see the same energy of 16 Days of Activism directed to these men as well.”
