The Unisa branch of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) and the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair convened a significant men’s dialogue on 1 October 2024. The dialogue focused on the theme of Reimagining and Redefining Masculinity: Constructing a New Dialogue for a Progressive Male Identity. The event aimed to challenge conventional notions of masculinity and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The dialogue commenced with a tangible sense of purpose as Lesiba Mamaleka, the programme director, established the purpose of the event. As Prof Puleng Segalo, incumbent of the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, approached the podium to convey her message of support, members of NEHAWU spontaneously broke into the emotive and symbolic song Lelilizwe elamakhosikazi lona-alisoze laphela mandla (This land belongs to women and its strength/power will not be diminished).

Prof Puleng Segalo, incumbent of the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair

The significance of this song at a men’s dialogue was not lost on the audience. It was a subtle yet profound recognition of the significant role that women play in both societal transformation and leadership, highlighting the necessity of collaborative gender conversations at a men’s dialogue.

Segalo encouraged the men in the room to continue facilitating dialogues among themselves, emphasising the necessity of establishing additional spaces for men to engage in these critical conversations. She emphasised the necessity for men to engage in dialogue with one another, reminding them that the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair is named after a staunch icon who envisioned a society that was just for all genders and continues to be dedicated to promoting gender justice. She concluded by highlighting that these dialogues are creating safe spaces for significant transformation.

Keynote address: A call for inclusive masculinity

Lesego Makhubela of the African National Congress gave the keynote address which underscored the necessity for men to abandon detrimental stereotypes of masculinity and instead embrace the principles of empathy, respect, family and collaboration. Makhubela declared: "The time has come for us to redefine the concept of a man – we must abandon outdated ideas that cause harm to not only ourselves but also those in our surroundings." He strongly criticised men who exhibited toxic masculinity behaviours. He further reiterated the necessity for men to adopt and mentor young men in the workplace and our communities.

Keynote speaker Lesego Makhubela of the African National Congress

A NEHAWU shop steward, Cde Masemola, made a call to action; encouraging men in the workplace, institutions and homes to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. His message was in harmony with the dialogue’s overarching theme, which was to challenge the toxic patterns that have been long associated with masculine identity and behaviour.

Rethinking masculinity in the workplace

On the second part of the dialogue, which was a panel discussion, Cde Bila, a former NEHAWU shop steward, focused on Redefining Masculinity in the Workplace: Promoting Inclusive Policies for a Supportive Environment. He provided insightful observations on how rigid expectations of masculinity have shaped workplace culture in negative ways. He further highlighted that men often feel pressured to suppress their emotions, leading to mental health challenges and strained professional relationships.

Additionally, he emphasised the pervasive problem of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, which is addressed in Unisa’s sexual harassment policy. He observed that men are frequently the perpetrators of these behaviours. He called for creating policies that support not only men but all genders in the workplace – from offering parental leave to encouraging open conversations about mental health. Bila emphasised that progressive leadership involves reimagining traditional roles and responsibilities.

A critical input from the leadership of SASCO underscored the significance of NEHAWU’s continued hosting of dialogues to address gender-based violence (GBV), and mentoring young men within their student organisation. The organisation emphasised the pressing necessity of equipping young men with resources that cultivate emotional intelligence and advance gender equality from an early age.

Breaking the silence on gender-based violence

Before the session transitioned to the next panellist, a NEHAWU audience member spoke up, expressing frustration of constantly hearing about men’s shortcomings, toxic masculinity and the negative aspects of being a man. He pointed out that discussions rarely focus on positive masculinity or acknowledge the good men in the room.

This prompted the next panellist, Leon Roets, a specialist in Social and Behavioural Studies of Health, to deliver what became one of the most emotionally charged sessions of the day. His presentation, titled Men’s Experiences with Gender-Based Violence: Breaking the Silence, resonated deeply with the audience. Roets emphasised that while most discussions on GBV focus on women as victims, it is equally crucial to acknowledge and address the experiences of men, who can be both victims and perpetrators of violence at home and in the workplace. He urged the audience to consider men through the lens of personhood and ubuntu, rather than merely as individuals, reminding us of the importance of collective humanity in addressing these complex issues faced by men.

A pathway forward

The day’s dialogue concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, which underscored the fact that it had incited profound and significant discussions. The discussions were founded on the fears, desires and lived experiences of the men in attendance. This was particularly evident when the programme facilitator posed this thought-provoking question: "How many of you would allow your daughters to marry men like yourselves?". The room fell silent. Few men dared to raise their hands, with many quietly admitting that they felt they had not achieved enough or were not where they wanted to be in life. This moment stressed the introspective and vulnerable nature of the dialogue.

The NEHAWU Branch Chairperson, Cde Bhomoyi, delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising the significance of these dialogues lasting beyond this single event. He expressed his aspiration that a greater number of men would assume the responsibility of challenging traditional masculinity and contributing to the development of a more progressive and inclusive society.

As we reflect on the day, we are reminded of the power of open dialogues and the role that we, as individuals and as a collective, play in shaping a better world for all. This dialogue was a necessary step forward, a chance for men to critically engage with themselves, their identities and their roles in society. The road ahead may be long, but it is through men’s dialogues like this that we begin to pave the way forward, for a more inclusive and humane future.

* By Lesego Linda Plank, Researcher, Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair