The role and importance of men in society is often forgotten or overlooked. With a recent community initiative, men from Ward 116 were encouraged to take a stand and take care of themselves.
Ward councillor for the area, Solomon Philander hosted the event on Tuesday 28 June with a focus on mens health at the Beacon Valley Community Hall.
This was the first of its kind for the area.
“This initiative encourages men to take a stand in their community specifically contribute positively. The focus for this session was to focus on men as role models in the community. The participants were reminded of their youth when they once looked up to someone seen as their role model. This person had qualities that inspired them and they aspired to be like the person,” says Philander.
“In our community we need more men with the qualities identified (in their role models) in order for the youth to have the same experience. I was encouraged by the men who expressed themselves as head of the house/family. They see themselves as a role model. They lead by example even in the times when their children are not following a good path, they continue to reach out to their children.”
A different session also saw a discussion on violence as men identified with this in their childhood and community.
Domestic violence remains a long-standing social ill in the community and the aim is to change the perception and habitual violence in the area through education and men taking a stand. Power over women and the various types of abuse were identified by the group. The abuse of men, was another topic discussed.
“There is a stigma that male abuse is not given the right attention and should men report abuse, the system fails them,” says Philander.
“There has been many initiatives focused on women. There is no problem in doing so, however, we are missing the role and voice of men. What we expect from men is always different from women – however, how do we find the balance as both role expectations should be equal. As men our roles stretch far beyond power but as leaders, to our equal partners and more so a role model,” says Philander.
“The importance about this initiative is to encourage men to be role models. Violence and substance abuse was part of most of our upbringing, maybe in your home or street. How going forward will we keep other men accountable and ourselves to contribute to the change in the community.”
Men were selected from the community and identified through community workers.
“Men can play a far more active role in the community. As Ward 116 councillor I see many young people from the 70’sand 80’s are influential and how do you learn from the older folk to build a better future for this generation,” says Philander.
More such initiatives will be held in future, he says.
“We will add more men and create an avenue for men to lead in our community. Changing the tide in Ward 116. This is a very important initiative,” he says.
Two locals, Monray Adams and Taswell Goliath also shared their stories with the group.
Adams, who attended school in Beacon Valley, shared his experiences while growing up. His circumstances did not limit him to aspire to do more. He is currently a pastor of a church and successful business person. He often comes back to Beacon Valley providing a service and always stops to engage people.
Goliath, from Beacon Valley, is a passionate person, giving back to the community. His testimony to the participants is once again a true testimony of everyone’s potential. He is active in the Morgenster community and supports local activities.
“As men we want to play our part in the community. We agreed to established an active group of men who will share ideas and contribute positively,” says Philander.
