Africa-Press – Botswana. Francistown Men Sector last week joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Men’s Day where different speakers engaged with men on diverse issues, ranging from personal development to men’s role in the society.
Speaking during commemoration of the day at Francistown Council Stadium on Friday, Francistown High Court Judge, Justice Masilo Mathaka said International Men’s Day was an opportunity to celebrate men and boys in all their diversity, and to shine a spotlight on the issues which affected men, from shared parenting to health and wellbeing.
“International Men’s Day primarily celebrates the positive value that men bring to their communities, their families, and the world”, he added.
He said the day had facilitated a global dialogue on creating a nurturing and empowering world for men and boys especially the less fortunate and disadvantaged.
Justice Mathaka said since International Men’s Day was observed in the country in 2013, it had fostered conversations and advocated for a more understanding and supportive world for men and boys, especially those who faced unique challenges.
“Men, despite their efforts, often face societal expectations, stigma, and a lack of appreciation”, he highlighted.
Justice Mathaka stated that observance of International Men’s Day placed a focus on uniting humanity by providing individuals, organisations, and institutions throughout Francistown with an opportunity to help work towards shared objectives which should be applied equally to men and boys irrespective of their age, ability, social background, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, religious belief, and relationship status.
Men Sector-Francistown Secretary, Mr Nelson Molapi said issues concerning men were often left behind and not taken seriously.
He said Men Sector-Francistown was working to ensure that men and young boys were recognised in their respective communities.
Mr Molapi also emphasized that men should recognise their importance and let that be a motive to drive them to do well in their day-to-day acts.
An ex-offender, Mr Tom Batsima advised men to take care of their mental health and be wary of their tempers, as he used to be have issues with those, resulting in his imprisonment for two years for stabbing someone.
He said though prison was not a nice place to dwell in, he managed to counsel himself and change to be a better man.
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