The Ministry of Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities in St Kitts and Nevis celebrated International men’s day under the theme, Gender equality: The Role of men and Boys in Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships. Our very own Dr Ricardo Neil was the keynote speaker.
The following was his speech:
THEME:
Gender equality: The Role of men and Boys in Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I want to acknowledge the protocol that was ably established by our most competent host.
I must say, I am feeling welcomed and that is a good thing, I would like to however, take the time out to acknowledge the head table if you will allow me.
- Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew-Prime Minister of St. Christopher and Nevis, Minister of Finance, National Security and Immigration, Health and Social Security
- Hon Is a lean Phillip- Senator and Junior Minister of Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities
- Dr. Marcus Natta-Cabinet Secretary
- His Excellency Michael C. H. Lin- Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis
- Permanent Secretaries of Ministries
- Directors of Departments
- Awardees and their guests
- Staff of the Ministry of Youth Social Development, Gender Affairs Aging and Disabilities
- Special invited Guests
- Performers
- Members of the Media
- All
I have taken the time to deconstruct the theme, which states: Gender equality: The Role of men and Boys in Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships. I have deconstructed the theme in order for the message to be sound, captivating, instructive and overall positive.
As a scientist in the area of applied science, I believe that a solution to any problem or challenge, can only be effective, if the fundamental principles of that challenge is addressed.
This has therefore led me to reconcile that if the man’s role is effective to the society, then the next generation will have valued and productive men.
By no means this message is meant NOT to show the value of women but to emphasis that men are equally valued in society.
At this crucial time it is important to empower our young men through fathers, brothers and by extension all men within our society here in St Kitts and Nevis.
In order for us to develop an effective society, it is only necessary for us to scientifically look at what constitutes a man, in other words, what is a man?
Ladies and gentlemen this question is an important phenomena, because within this age and generation the concept of a man has lost its value. It is therefore our role and responsibility to deconstruct the current concept of a man and reconceptualized what and who a man should be in society.
It is therefore incumbent upon me to define such; I will therefore define a man in the following context based on societal norms of a true man:
- He is a person who refuses to cry, because he knows that he must be strong even when he needs a shoulder to cry on.
- He fights for his children even when he has no one to fight for him.
- He will help or support everyone, not expecting gain or acknowledgement.
- He plays the role of a mother while standing by himself.
- He fights for his country without pay neither award of recognition but remain true to himself.
- He seeks the face of his God and believes in the impossible
- He loves selflessly to the end of breaking and when he breaks, he is forced to remain the strong man.
If a man is therefore defined on the basis of what he OFFERS to society and be selfless to everyone, It is then clear that a man can only maintain a positive and productive relationship within his environment, if the preconceived societal norms are addressed. These norms can only be addressed by developing social programmes and initiatives to strengthen men as they bear the burden of society on their shoulders.
Men have been reconditioned to believe that his role is to PROVIDE, to subdue emotions which means his fundamental existence has been stereotyped.
In the PUBLIC DOMAIN, as heads of states, leaders of religion, judges, managers men are strategically positioned to build and maintain relationships – this is a fact. In PRIVATE DOMAIN as husband and fathers, men directly impact relationships within the construct of the family and in turn their sons, brothers, friends, and neighbors emulate this function.
For example, if young men are exposed to men of value who embrace their role as responsible well-rounded citizens, they will imitate what they see and function accordingly.
In order for men to be valued, it is only right for us to have more programmes that focus on developing, examining, or even treating our men as valuable as the woman. This will indicate to the young man that this is the way he should go.
These programmes should be geared towards equipping men to continue to function within their roles, to the extent that any potential mental health challenges that will destabilize the man from just being a GIVER, should be addressed immediately.
As we know, our young men are living in a society that is filled with influences especially from Social media. This seemingly bypasses the true influences of men within our society.
The solution to any problem must address key factors. This signifies the ideology of strengthening conflict resolution skills, highlighting men’s achievements while motivate them. Because if the man is weak, the home will fall, if the man is tired, poverty will lurk and if this is the case then we need to save our boys because they will become a product of their environment.
I am therefore challenging the Ministry of Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities which I know is doing an exceptional job, to develop more programmes that surrounds Men’s Mental Health, Psychosocial Responses to societal norms and the true concept of what it means to be a man of value.
In closing, I would like all the men in the room to stand. As we start the process of positive affirmation; Repeat after me;
- I will fight for the next generation,
- I am responsible for building and maintaining a positive relationship in any environment,
- I am a man of value, I am a man of integrity and I will teach the next generation to be so,
- I will be grounded in truth, justice and righteousness,
You may be seated, be the change that we need, I thank you.