A common belief that” men are tigers and tigers don’t cry” was completely discouraged by all professional speakers invited to engage with male employees of the North West Department of Education during a two-day Dialogue Session. The session was scheduled for the 01st and 02nd August 2024 at Kloof Resort and Conferences in Rustenburg.
Critical topics for the Dialogue Session were Erectile Dysfunction by Mr Musi from Men’s Clinic, Impact of infidelity in the family by Mr Phogang from FAMSA, Mental Health (homeopath) by Dr Koketso Ramoupi and Financial Wellness by Liberty Life.
It became evident during the engagement with men that the majority of them are silent about important aspect of life , affecting them both in their private and work related lifes. As a result, they are individually struggling to address issues and cope with the stress level created by the “bold and brave” mentally of the majority of men.
The majority of men during the engagement pointed out that with the EHW to continuously ensure that there isutual support between the supervisor and the supervisee are not getting enough support from their supervisors at work, and that support is the one that could boost their morale both in the workplace and at home. They, therefore, pleaded with the EHW to ensure that mutual relationships between employees are continuously strengthened .
This annual activity of the department is key to exposing men to open discussions with their peers and specialists about issues directly affecting them. The Dialouque Session yielded positive results to 400 male employees comprising , Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
The composition of those men included senior managers from corporate offices, officials of the department at all levels, and Employee Health and Wellness as the organizers of the event.
Men were also given the opportunity to participate in team building activities on the first day and a Health Walk on the last day of the session.
The Health Walk involved not only the team building but also taking part in hiking at the Kloof Mountain in the early morning of the second day.
The Director for Employee Health and Wellness, Ms Kenalemang Menong, explained that “Men were indeed empowered and we are looking forward for some improvement especially in the working environment.”
Men were all happy for being considered to go out of their offices and explore on life challenging experiences, which amongst others included, their fitness, drinking and sexual problems as well as financial conduct.
