Indoda Dialogue gives Alex men platform to speak freely
More than 25 men from Alexandra came together at the Alex EMS Be Safe Centre on May 14 for a crucial Indoda Dialogue on ending gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering positive masculinity.
The event, organised by FAN Champions For Change, provided a safe platform for men to openly discuss pressing issues such as GBV, HIV, and societal challenges.
Read more: Alex CPF concerned about GBV victims reluctance to press charges
Charles Mphephu, the manager of FAN Champions For Change, emphasised the importance of men speaking out. 'It is significant for men to advocate against gender-based violence. We know that men are not talking, but here it is safe, we created a space for men to open up and talk about their issues.'
Participants tackled topics such as regular HIV testing, and protection, while also stressing the need for continued engagement in men's initiatives such as the Men's Parliament. Mphephu noted that these efforts underscored their commitment to help the Department of Health to reach 1.1 million HIV-positive individuals not yet on treatment.
Also read: Community safety stakeholders strategise for an effective GBV campaign
Stakeholders, including Man of Hope, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Social Development, joined the dialogue to address men's familial and social responsibilities. 'They know that when they talk here, it remains here. The main aim is to go out and have a healthy family, no fighting, no violence, and to stand up against GBV.'
Attendee Khutjo Mabetwa highlighted the power of unity among men. 'When you are a man, one of the things that should be bothering you is, 'Am I playing my role?' No challenge is too big when men stand together.' He further encouraged men to assume their positions as leaders in society and to become actively involved in addressing some of the pressing issues people in the community were grappling with.
Mphephu said that attendees found the dialogue insightful. To mobilise more men to combat GBV and build stronger, healthier communities in Alexandra, he revealed plans to expand its reach to Marlboro Park on May 15.
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Related article: ENSafrica tackles GBV and patriarchy
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We need to stop pretending alcohol is harmless fun. It's delaying the very youth we keep saying are the future. And if we don't confront this now, we're going to keep asking the same tired questions ten years from now: 'Why aren't young people rising?' 'Where is the youth leadership?' 'Why is our country stuck?' The truth is: we're stuck because we've chosen comfort over accountability. Culture over confrontation. And silence over solutions. It's time to change that. * Mayalo is an independent writer and analyst **The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
