EVATON. – Different Men’s Forums, the Department of Community Safety (Vaal), the Social Development Department, Social Workers, and The Department of Health in Sedibeng were among the different organizations that made it to the Men’s Seminar that was held in Evaton last Wednesday, September 13.
The seminar was held by the Thabang Development and Welfare Organisation with its purpose being to create a community dialogue on the development of men, as noble and respectable citizens, who are able to participate in eradicating gender-based violence (GBV).
The Thabang Development and Welfare Organisation offers services to men and boys who have been involved in GBV, both as victims and perpetrators.
Sibongile Mashinini, an Administrator from the Thabang Development and Welfare Organisation, said that the seminar focused on poverty eradication, self-empowerment, and societal development. It also focused on daily challenges faced by men and how they can create a platform for peer-to-peer support.
“It was an informative, interactive, and educational event that aimed at achieving the development of African family values as the pillar of nation-building, and entrenching the culture of Ubuntu and respect while addressing GBV.
All those in attendance pledged to contribute to communities by teaching them about GBV and self-empowerment. The men’s forums that attended were the Evaton Men’s Forum, Vuka Amadoda Men Forum, and the Father’s Nation Forum. The different organizations attending were The Healing Hands Organisation, Lesedi la Batjha, Bokamoso, Lifeline, and #Ready Organisation.
Most, if not all of them, spoke on human rights focusing particularly on men’s rights, drugs, substance, and alcohol abuse.
“Our aim is to contribute to building a developed society that is free of poverty and illiteracy. We also aim to provide support (psycho-support) to both men and boys,” Mashinini concluded.
