A VOLUNTARY safe place for men to be honest about issues that affect them will be launched by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) on Thursday.
During the first period, men will have the opportunity to weigh up how they ‘cope with expectations.’
The sole forum of the men was conceptualized by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, following the ministry’s International Men’s Day rally on November 19, 2020.
“We heard what the men had to say, and we only had to invent suitable male-driven programs. Therefore, it was advisable to create a medium where they could open up to each other without judgment; instead, advice and solutions are given and friendships are formed, ”noted Dr. Persaud.
The hour-long weekly program spans two months, and will attract male panelists from different backgrounds to “engage with the men”.
“This is not a forum where men will be lectured. It will be a relaxed atmosphere where men in various environments can relate their concerns, experiences and encourage one another, ”explained Minister Persaud, adding:“ Under the guidance of mentors and experts, we want men to walk away from the sessions this with a better understanding of how to address their insecurities, coping mechanisms and gain fresh perspectives and advice in their personal development. “
Feedback from the sessions will be reviewed and integrated into existing and future programs developed by the Office for Gender Affairs (GAB) for men.
GAB Manager Adel Lilly and Senior Gender Affairs Officer Diego Alphonso will run the sessions.
All sessions, run through ZOOM, start at 18:00 hours. Every Monday, the topic of the week will be uploaded to the Ministry’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mhsssgy. The link for the Zoom hangout: [email protected], password: 2020 # Video (DPI)