‘Amadoda afela ngaphakathi ‘— men suffer in silence. It is an expression that captures the experiences of men who carry emotional and personal struggles while trying to keep their families and daily lives together.

From financial difficulties to relationship problems and the pressure to provide, some men find themselves dealing with challenges they rarely discuss openly. In many communities, admitting that they are struggling can be difficult when society expects them to remain strong, regardless of what they are going through.

These were among the issues discussed at the Gwanda Men’s Conference last week, where concerns affecting men’s lives, including suicide, family responsibilities and difficulties in marriage, came into focus.
The conversations brought attention to the challenges men face behind closed doors, including those who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances but struggle to find someone they can speak to without fear of judgement.

Suicide was one of the concerns raised, highlighting the importance of taking men’s emotional well-being seriously. When personal problems become difficult to manage, access to support and the freedom to speak openly can make an important difference.

The discussions also touched on men who raise children who are not biologically theirs and those experiencing difficulties in their marriages, reflecting the different responsibilities and pressures that can shape family life.

In a video clip,seen by My Kasi Magazine posted by Gwanda’s local radio station (Ntepe Manama), Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said, issues the gathering provided are an opportunity to bring these conversations into the open, particularly in communities where personal and family struggles are often kept private.

For men who feel they must have an answer to every problem, being able to speak honestly about their circumstances can be an important first step towards finding support.