INTERNATIONAL MEN’S MONTH URGES MEN TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS

By Lawrence Mashabela.

• International Men’s Day, held annually on 19 November, provides the opportunity for men to examine their roles in society, as well as identify challenges they face and find the support systems they may need.
• This year’s global theme – “Zero Male Suicide” – aims to reduce male suicide numbers and make sure mental health support is more accessible.
• Social worker Sam Ntuli views it as an opportunity to celebrate men and boys in their diversity, and remind them that they do not have to be imprisoned by stereotypes.

With November being an International Men’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development calls on all men to assume their responsibility of protecting women and children.

This was the message delivered during an International Men’s Day celebration at Zonkizizwe Community Hall near Katlehong in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, 15 November 2025.

Men and boys came in numbers to commemorate this day. This year’s International Men’s Day theme, “Zero Male Suicide”, focuses on reducing male suicide and making mental health support more accessible.

According to social worker Sam Ntuli, International Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate men and boys in their diversity, and to shine a spotlight on issues that men face, from shared parenting to health and well-being.

It also seeks to open the conversation and break down toxic forms of masculinity and remind everyone that men do not have to be imprisoned by stereotypes.

“It’s clear that there is an ongoing crisis with regard to young men and mental health,” Ntuli said.

“International Men’s Day reminds us to strive for positive relations across the gender spectrum, normalize vulnerability, open conversation, and celebrate differences.”

A representative from the Department of Correctional Services, Sello Modise, said men must start taking responsibility for their own actions. He added that men are expected to play a leading role in ensuring that the country’s communities are safe.

“As men, we must start having a conversation with ourselves, because things are not looking good for us. Our prisons are overcrowded, men are committing heinous crimes, and it is painful because some are as young as 15,” he added.

Modise encouraged men to step up and change the narrative that men are trash by taking on their role of leading and protecting, especially the vulnerable individuals in their communities.