Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
MEN from different walks of life gathered at KoSamuriwo Pub and Grill in Luveve on Friday for the inaugural Men’s Conference, which sought to create a platform for men to openly discuss personal growth, leadership, relationships and challenges affecting them.
The event, organised by the Nobuhle Virgie Foundation, brought together elderly, middle-aged and young men for discussions on family, mental wellness, finances and their roles in society.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, who was the guest of honour, challenged men to embrace responsible leadership in their families and communities.
“As society we advocate for the man who listens, the man who provides guidance, the man who protects without controlling, the man who corrects without destroying and the man who can say ‘I am sorry’ when he is wrong,” said Minister Ncube.
She said men needed to reclaim their role as builders of families, businesses and communities, adding that Government had a responsibility to listen to the challenges facing citizens.
“It’s important we have a conversation with the man at home, the man at work, the businessman and the man in leadership about his responsibilities in society.
“We live in a time that requires men to rediscover one of their greatest responsibilities: the responsibility to build. We must build our families. We must build our businesses. We must build our communities. We must build our province,” she said.
The conference provided an open platform where participants shared personal experiences and discussed issues affecting men, including marriage, mental health and financial pressures.
Participants also examined some of the factors contributing to divorce, suicide among men and unhappy marriages.
The discussions sought to avoid blaming women for challenges faced by men, instead encouraging men to take responsibility for their wellbeing, relationships and conduct.
Minister Ncube also welcomed Zimbabwean men returning home following anti-migrant violence and disturbances in South Africa, urging them to view their return as an opportunity to contribute to the country’s development.
“Your return should not be viewed simply as coming back to where you were born. It should be an opportunity to bring home your skills, experience, networks, knowledge, capital and ideas.
“Zimbabwe needs you. Bulawayo needs you. Our province has opportunities that require people who are prepared to take risks, invest, innovate and create employment,” she said.
The conference organisers said the initiative was aimed at providing men with a safe and non-judgemental environment where they could confront challenges affecting their lives while encouraging positive masculinity and responsible leadership.
