Men in agriculture and various other private and governmental departments recently gathered at Dona La Boutique Hotel to participate in the Empowerment Session celebrating Men in Agriculture, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi.
The MEC addressed the audience and said that a great deal of attention is paid to women’s health issues, thus ignoring men’s health matters.
“Men are known for generally paying less attention to their own health, they tend to hide their vulnerability and are always less likely to consult on men’s health and other related issues. As a result, I have decided to commemorate this day by conducting a Men’s Empowerment Session that will benefit all men within head office, service centres, and district centres of delivery,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi.
The department’s main aim is to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities.
“We highlight positive role models and raise awareness on men’s well-being. Gentlemen, we want to improve gender relations and promote gender equality, not only for men but for women too. This is an opportunity for us to appreciate and celebrate the men in our department and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.”
The MEC added that men face a series of health challenges that need to be addressed in order to have our communities function to their fullest potential.
To enhance the active participation of men in the fight against the scourge of abusing women and children, the MEC said that there are pivotal roles men can play in the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of the rights of women and children, as well as enhancing meaningful societal dialogue on the problem in which broader society partakes irrespective of gender, age and social strata.
“Let us revive and educate all men of different ages in society about the significance of moral regeneration. In so doing, this also reminds men of their role on how to be knowledgeable and responsible men in their communities,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi.
