18 Aug 2015

Men Sector has taken it upon itself to revive the dignity of men and clearly define their role in the society.

The three-day Men Sector capacity building workshop held in Jwaneng recently, has equipped men with knowledge, wisdom and skills.

In an interview with one of the facilitators, chief wellness officer in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr Tshepang Mabaila said the aim of the workshop was to resurrect and empower Jwaneng committee members to assume their role as men. 

He said more emphasis was on training trainers of trainees so that they could facilitate on role of men, their dignity as well as gender issues.

For the past years, he said, the Jwaneng committee was partially not functioning hence it was imperative to concentrate on commitment and revival of volunteerism. 

He said the leadership should put more emphasis on advocacy, leading and directing on issues of health.

Mr Mabaila said men should also be ready to assist women in domestic chores or assume their roles during their absence. 

“We are concerned that the gap creates problems when women are not there at home,” he added. Mr Mabaila added that men should appreciate challenges faced by women in their daily lives.

He said gender based violence against women and children should be addressed. 

Mr Mabaila said they chose to host the workshop in Jwaneng because the town is male dominated and HIV prevalence is high. 

HIV prevalence currently stands at 12.8 per cent and, statistics show that women are the most infected at 16.7 per cent while men stand at 8.5 per cent, according to the fourth AIDS impact survey. 

They covered issues on sex workers and the fight against HIV/AIDS and came up with recommendations. ENDS