-Region to form its own men’s group

THE Gender Affairs Bureau, in collaboration with the Regional Gender Affairs committee, on Friday evening, hosted its first men’s forum in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and soon, the region will form its own men’s group.

The forum, which was held in the boardroom of the regional office, attracted men from various organisations and communities. Chairperson of the Regional Gender Affairs Committee, Veriena Rasheed, said the men’s forum was held under the theme ‘Improving the lives of our men and boys.’

According to Rasheed, in order for the region to achieve the goal of gender equality, strategies will have to be developed taking into consideration the needs of men and women. She said this requires commitment and resources. Rasheed reminded the gathering that the Regional Gender Affairs Committee is a sub-committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that reports to the Gender Affairs Bureau.

She said that men are equally important as women, noting that the economic culture of society has changed and women are now joining the workforce, and so, men need to support women.

Meanwhile, Manager of the Gender Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Adel Lilly, urged the men to be bold and open to conversations. He also urged them to speak out and reach out if things are bothering them.

Additionally, Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, said that the region will be forming its own men’s group that will meet and support the work of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in an effort to address issues affecting men and boys.

Attending the forum was Ravin Sharma, a teacher, who said it was very educational and informative. He said men were given the opportunity to express themselves.