International Men’s Day: Does anyone really care?

Bridget Mabanda

International Men’s Day is celebrated every year on November 19 globally but, in Zimbabwe the day is given little attention as compared to the International Women’s Day, according to research.

A survey conducted by Zimbabwe Now shows that this day is of little significance to both men and women in different age groups.

Zimbabwe Now approached male actor, Admire Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vhayolensi, and he wondered when the day is marked, signaling his total ignorance on the matter.

Unlike International Women’s Day marked on March 8 annually, International Men’s Day is not officially recognised by the United Nations.

International Men’s Day is observed to highlight the social issues that men and boys face and to celebrate their achievements in the economic, social, cultural and political spheres.

The theme for International Men’s Day 2022 was “Helping men and boys.”

This day aims to promote positive role models, recognise the contributions of men in society, improve gender relations and focus on the issues that commonly affect men and boys.

Life coach, Brian Matsaira said he only knew about the day through a WhatApp group and he is not sure about its significance day since he has not been following the whole thing all along.

He said a man is the father giving life, guidance, security in the family and he is still the hunter.

“It's hard to be a man, expectations are high. You do not get to live according to expectations all the times. A man can lack food, might not have a career but the world puts a demand on men as if men are immune to life challenges,” he said.

He also indicated that men also face problems that women face.

Matsaira said there is now need empower “the man” again as empowerment is now all about women.

“We are now seeing struggling and more less-empowered men on the rise maybe we need to do something about empowering men again,” he said.

People that can measure triumph are women who have been fighting for equal salaries and equal opportunities among other key demands.

Men face a number of issues such as lack of opportunities, how to cope with an empowered wife and how to handle equality when we are coming from a patriarchal background.

Award-winning gospel musician, Admire Nago said he knew of the day. “It is a great day for every man and it is also important to women as they honour and respect us too,” he said.

He said it is always hard to be the head of the house and even if one is not yet married, it is just hard to be a man because you have to provide for yourself.

“Hanzi nebhaibheri uchadya cheziya iwe Adam (The Bible says you will no longer be in the Garden of Eden, Adam),” he said.

Nago said men are also facing abuse but they keep quiet.

“I think organisations should also represent men and address these issues, helping men to be strong, and encouraging them to speak out when abused.

“Men should also be careful about their health it’s always good to get tested and also to be screened for various diseases such as cancer and also blood pressure,” he said.

He said in the arts industry, men should learn to work together so that they are able to leave legacies to children and the nation at large.

Nago’s sentiments echo those of author, Nyasha Zimunya who said there is need to raise awareness about men’s mental health and encourage them to share their problems.

“As you may probably be aware that men don’t speak out because of fear. In societies we grew up, we were taught to be strong but sometimes you need to speak out without fear of being judged,” he said.

Popular actress, Anna ‘ChiBaby’ Honde said men are important as they support women in life.

“Despite being empowered, I need a man to speak to, share ideas as well as get support from. We need men in our lives,” she said.

Padare/Enkundleni Men’s Forum national director Walter Vengesai said awareness about men’s health is another area where International Men’s Day plays a very significant role.

“We celebrated the day, raising awareness among men about problems they face including mental health issues through a community dialogue,” he said.

He said the media must spread awareness about this day to citizens.

Veteran sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria also said he is not aware of the day and he suggested that the day must be advertised like any other days that are commemorated.