Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, is calling for a more balanced national conversation on gender equality, one that supports the advancement of women while recognising the struggles, contributions and emotional needs of men and boys.

Johnson made the appeal while addressing the “Man in the Mirror Men’s Forum” held at the Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday, August 12. The event was organised by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through its Directorate of Gender Affairs.

Speaking to more than 20 men gathered for the forum, Johnson acknowledged that changing expectations surrounding gender and relationships have left some men uncertain about their roles in families and society.

She said that as women embrace greater independence, leadership and economic empowerment, some men may feel displaced or unsure about where they fit. However, she stressed that the empowerment of one gender should never be interpreted as the rejection of another.

“Women’s empowerment must not be interpreted as men’s displacement,” Johnson declared.

“Gender equality is not a contest in which one side must lose for the other to win,” she added, explaining that equality should help to create stronger partnerships, healthier families and a society in which every person is valued and respected.

Johnson also used her address to challenge traditional beliefs that men must remain silent about their emotions and personal struggles.

She pointed to global data showing that men die by suicide at higher rates than women and tend to use more lethal methods. The Minister said this reality must prompt more open and honest conversations about men’s mental health.

“Strength is not the absence of emotion. Crying does not make you weak. Asking for help does not make you less of a man,” she told participants.

Johnson said many men carry significant pressures in silence, including financial responsibilities, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, social expectations and the fear of being judged if they admit they are struggling.

She encouraged men to reject the idea that vulnerability is a sign of weakness and instead view seeking assistance as an act of courage and responsibility.

The Minister also called for greater recognition and support for men and boys who experience domestic or gender-based violence. She noted that their experiences can sometimes be dismissed or overlooked because of long-held assumptions that males must always be strong and capable of defending themselves.

“A man who is hurting deserves to be heard. A boy who is fighting deserves to feel safe,” Johnson said.

She questioned whether men who report abuse are treated seriously or confronted with disbelief and ridicule, including being asked how a woman could possibly abuse them.

Johnson said every victim deserves to be heard, protected and treated with dignity, regardless of gender.

Drawing on the forum’s “Man in the Mirror” theme, she urged men not to define themselves solely by their failures, financial burdens, missed opportunities or the expectations they may not have fulfilled.

“When you look into a mirror, do not only see the bills you’ve not paid, the opportunities you may have missed, the mistakes you have made or the expectations you have not met,” she said.

“See the father who’s still trying. See the son who continues to care. See the brother who shows up when he’s needed.”

The Minister encouraged participants to recognise their worth, confront harmful behaviours and understand that personal growth begins with honest self-reflection.

The “Man in the Mirror Men’s Forum” formed part of the Directorate of Gender Affairs’ Men’s Critical Issues Series under its Masculinity Portfolio. Participants discussed masculinity, mental wellness, violence, relationships, stigma, consent and other issues affecting men and boys in Antigua and Barbuda.