The Togolese Press Agency reports that International Men's Day was celebrated on November 3 in Kétao, the capital of Binah 2 commune. This annual event, typically observed on November 19, was themed "Mental Load, Well-being of Men and Boys." The celebration was organized by the Association for International Solidarity for Community Well-being (SIBEC-Togo) with support from the German Cooperation, implemented by GIZ through the "DeZon: Promotion of Participation, Equality, and Gender Equity in Togo" project, and the Ministry of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection.
The event aims to promote men's health and well-being through inclusive community dialogue. It also seeks to raise awareness among men, households, and community leaders about the issues related to mental load and male well-being. This day provides an opportunity to revalue the role of men in society and highlight areas where differences between men and women can be a source of disadvantage for men. The celebration will take place in four locations: Kpélé, Lavié, Tové, Kétao, and Pya.
The event featured a training session by Dr. Tchangaye Rodrigue, who discussed mental load and well-being of men and boys. The session covered the causes and consequences of mental load and approaches to solutions. The discussions also focused on positive masculinity, deconstruction of gender stereotypes, and the need to promote an alliance between men and women. The goal is to encourage men to be agents of peace, pillars of love within their families, and models of kindness.
Abilimou Meyaba François, Executive Director of SIBEC-Togo, emphasized that this day aims to promote male well-being, cultivate mutual listening, and build a better future for the Binah prefecture and Togo. He encouraged men to be actors of peace and to work towards building stable homes and educating balanced children. According to him, a fulfilled man is one who works in perfect harmony with his partner to build a stable home and educate balanced children.
The celebration of International Men's Day in Togo is part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and equity. The Ministry of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection is actively involved in promoting initiatives that support the well-being of men and boys. The German Cooperation, through GIZ, is also supporting projects that aim to promote gender equity and equality in Togo.
Welabalo Tchanta, Mayor of Binah 2 commune, expressed her gratitude to the Togolese authorities for their efforts in promoting International Men's Day. She acknowledged the importance of this day in highlighting the challenges faced by men and the need to support their well-being. The mayor also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between men and women to build a more equitable society.
The celebration of International Men's Day in Togo highlights the country's commitment to promoting men's health and well-being. The event provided a platform for men to discuss their challenges and for stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being. The organizers hope that this event will contribute to building a more supportive and inclusive community for men and boys.
Key points
- The event was organized by SIBEC-Togo with support from the German Cooperation and the Ministry of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection.
- The celebration aims to promote men's health and well-being through inclusive community dialogue.
- The event featured a training session by Dr. Tchangaye Rodrigue on mental load and well-being of men and boys.
