Qacha’s Nek, Nov. 19 — As the world marks International Men’s Day (IMD) under the theme ‘celebrating men and boys,’ Qacha’s Nek Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrants Control Focal Person, D/Sgt. ’Mamatheko Bohloa urges women and girls to avoid contributing to the emotional strain that men and boys often carry in silence.
In an interview with the Agency, D/Sgt. Bohloa, who also serves on the District Child Protection Team (DCPT), said men and boys experience high levels of stress, aggression, depression, anxiety and substance abuse yet societal expectations force them to hide their emotions.
She noted that men are frequently subjected to labour exploitation, modern slavery, cyberbullying and various forms of violence, all while being pressured to appear strong.
“Society expects men to be strong and resilient, so they mask their emotional pain,” she said, adding “females should refrain from being catalysts of men’s mental health issues.”
