IMD tackles negative issues that impact men and boys
Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, hundreds of men from all over the East Rand gathered at the Reiger Park Civic Centre, to discuss issues that affect men and boys globally.
Started in 1999, the Internal Men’s Day is an annual international event celebrated on November 19.
The event was aimed at getting men together in one place to highlight the issues facing them and boys in the area, such as life expectancy, suicide, violence, education and health.
They were encourage to work together to improve their lives and look after their families under the theme ”Working together for men and boys”.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lesetja Mothiba, Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko and Ekurhuleni MMC for Health and Social Development Makhosazane Mabaso were among the dozens of dignitaries who attended the event.
Rees Mann, CEO of South African Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Samsosa), was among the guest speakers.
According to Mann, a survivor of sexual abuse, the rape and sexual abuse of both young and adult males around the world is ignored.
“Since it is not talked about and men are less likely to report such incidents, it has created a misconception that abuse against men doesn’t exist,” he says.
“By far, women are more often sexually violated than men, however, 19.4 per cent of adult males are also sexually violated.”
Mazibuko encouraged men to be gentlemen, and to show tender loving care towards their families.-@FanieBoksburg
