The Chama cha Maendeleo ya Wanaume Vihiga yesterday at Vihiga Friends Hall, held up a substantial Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing closer stakeholders, leaders and individuals esteemed to attain the well being of men in the region.
The meeting particularly focused on ending mental health crisis and masculinity as speakers talked of ending stigma, promote dialogue within the community and prioritizing on mental health issues.
CPA Easton Kiyai during the meeting emphasized on making a strategic plan for men urging them to develop long term plans for prosperity and paying attention to not only finances but also mental health
“We must begin with the basics—our health, our minds, and our relationships. If we plan ahead with purpose, we can break free from generational struggles and pave the way for a prosperous future,” Kiyai remarked.
However Mr. Silas Ongaro, an accredited mediator urged men to consider peaceful litigation through dialogue to resolve disputes.
“Men need to understand that some issues, no matter how small, can be solved through calm and constructive conversation, instead of letting them fester and escalate,” Silas stated.
Professor Kennedy Imbuki, Vihiga Constituency aspiring lawmaker, believes that it is men who determine the gender of a child. Though controversial, the statement aims to ignite the roles of men in family interplay.
“In Vihiga, many families are struggling because men have yet to fully embrace their roles as nurturers. Being a father is not just about provision, but emotional engagement and support,” said Imbuki, who also encouraged men to modify traditional attitudes and adopt more supportive practices, including accompanying their wives to medical appointments.
In a quest to manage mental health issues, Mr Imbuki also urged men to find help as that doesn’t lower dignity or change a man but makes him a better person in the society.
“Men in Vihiga County must break free from the mentality that seeking help is a sign of weakness. The truth is, it’s a sign of strength,” Imbuki concluded.
The Chama cha Maendeleo ya Wanaume Vihiga chairman Bahati Musoma also noted on development plans and project that are in place despite financial challenges. He also took it as a chance to ask for partnerships and engagements for development projects.
“We started this organization in 2018 with a vision of empowering men and improving their mental well-being. But we need more support to sustain our programs, especially those targeting mental health,” Musoma said.
He also highlighted the organization’s ongoing projects, such as the reviving of the Maragoli Forest and efforts to enhance security in local communities.
Leave a comment