Kwale:Men in Kwale County are being urged to openly discuss mental health issues and domestic abuse as stakeholders plan to create safe spaces for them to seek help without the fear of stigma or discrimination.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative will be part of the county government’s activities to mark International Men’s Day on November 19. Stakeholders are calling for stronger support systems to address challenges affecting men and their families.
Stephen Mutua, a Business Relationship Officer at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, highlighted during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Kwale Cultural Centre that cultural expectations often discourage men from expressing their emotions or seeking professional help. He emphasized that community dialogues have revealed that male survivors of domestic abuse often remain silent due to fear of societal judgment.
Mutua advocated for stronger referral systems and the establishment of gender desks at police stations to help male survivors report abuse and access support services. He also urged communities to support women’s empowerment, noting that empowering both genders could enhance household decision-making, family relationships, and economic wellbeing.
Joseph Karinga, a member of the Kwale County Gender Technical Working Group, mentioned that the upcoming International Men’s Day celebrations would focus on mental health awareness and encouraging men to seek professional help for emotional difficulties. He observed that some men suppress their struggles or turn to alcohol instead of seeking appropriate support.
Karinga urged a shift in cultural beliefs that equate emotional vulnerability among men with weakness, advocating for supportive environments to encourage men to discuss their challenges and seek help without embarrassment. The stakeholders hope that this year’s event, guided by the theme “The Future Is Everyone,” will encourage men to understand their rights, prioritize mental wellbeing, and actively participate in preventing gender-based violence.
