Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMPAPERS will host a ground-breaking Men’s Indaba in Harare on Friday as part of its growing commitment to promoting wellness and addressing the often-overlooked struggles faced by men in Zimbabwe.
The event, set to take place at Garwe Restaurant in Eastlea, will offer a relaxed traditional setting where attendees can engage in open, men-only conversations over indigenous cuisine.
Discussions will focus on pressing issues such as mental health, stress management, retirement planning and the evolving role of men in modern society.
Zimpapers public relations and events manager Mrs Pauline Matanda said the indaba is designed to break the silence that many men maintain around their personal struggles, especially in professional environments.
“The indaba is part of Zimpapers’ growing commitment to social impact and wellness. Nowadays most men, due to issues of mental health engendered by several factors, tend to suffer in silence and the net impact of this, if it’s at the workplace, is lowered productivity,” she said.
“Often, men are expected to be pillars of strength, yet many suffer in silence. Therefore, the upcoming social gathering is about breaking that silence, encouraging dialogue and equipping men with tools to lead healthier and more balanced lives.
“It is in this context that we are encouraging companies through their human resources managers to invest in their male employees by supporting their attendance at the Men’s Indaba.”
Dubbed “Man Up, Come Let Us Talk Men-to-Men”, the event is expected to draw at least 100 men from various companies. A multidisciplinary panel of psychologists, financial advisers, motivational speakers and relationship experts will lead conversations around key topics often neglected in mainstream public discourse.
Among the subjects to be explored are managing stress in high-pressure environments, navigating identity and expectations in modern relationships, preparing for a secure retirement and opening up about mental health.
Officials from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) will share insights on financial and retirement planning — an area of growing concern, especially as Zimbabwe witnesses a rise in financial anxiety among ageing men.
Experts from Men’s Clinic International — Zimbabwe will lead sessions on issues that include prostate cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and general wellness.
The sessions aim to encourage men to take proactive steps in managing their health and seeking medical intervention early.
Renowned mental health specialist Mr Daniel Mlambo will offer a presentation on the link between physical and mental well-being.
Clinical family therapist Dr Clayton Choga and relationship expert Dr Tigere Nyamakawo will delve into the impact of divorce, masculinity and male vulnerability in intimate relationships.
DNA Global Zimbabwe managing consultant Mr Tinashe Mugabe will address sensitive topics around paternity testing and its role in confirming biological relationships and uncovering genetic predispositions to illnesses such as prostate cancer.
