More than 20 men participated in the “Man in the Mirror Men’s Forum” on Wednesday, engaging in candid discussions about masculinity, mental wellness, violence, relationships, stigma, and other critical issues affecting men and boys in Antigua and Barbuda.

The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through its Directorate of Gender Affairs, at the Inland Revenue Department. It formed part of the Directorate’s Men’s Critical Issues Series under its Masculinity Portfolio and attracted participants from organisations across the country.

Programme Officer for Men’s and Mental Health, Rafiq Martin, opened the session by describing it as “an honest, respectful and courageous conversation” about gender-based violence and masculinity.

“Today is not about blaming men or women. It is about understanding how gender-based violence affects all of us,” Martin said.

He noted that society’s ideas about masculinity influence men’s behaviour and relationships, adding that individuals must consider what they can do to create safer homes, healthier relationships and stronger communities.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, highlighted the pressures men often carry in silence. She pointed to global data showing that men die by suicide at higher rates than women and are more likely to use lethal methods.

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

The Minister also addressed changing expectations surrounding gender roles and relationships, acknowledging that some men may feel uncertain about their place as women increasingly embrace independence and empowerment.

However, she stressed that the advancement of women should not be viewed as a threat to men.

“Women’s empowerment must not be interpreted as men’s displacement,” Johnson said. “Gender equality is not a contest in which one side must lose for the other to win.”

She said equality should instead contribute to stronger partnerships, healthier families and a society in which every person is respected.

Johnson also called for greater recognition of men and boys who experience abuse, noting that their experiences are sometimes overlooked in conversations about gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, Jamie Saunders, said it is important to create safe spaces where men and boys can speak openly about the issues affecting them.

He explained that the discussions generated during the forum would extend beyond the event and could help inform future policies, advocacy and legislation.

“It will be used to shape policies, it will be used to advocate for legislation, to ensure that men and boys are included in the conversation and they understand gender equality,” Saunders said.

He also encouraged men to take greater responsibility for supporting their peers and addressing harmful attitudes and behaviours.

“As men, it is on us to have a level of awareness and self-introspection,” he said, urging participants to check on one another and promote accountability.

An interactive presentation on deconstructing masculinity was facilitated by Keiron Murdoch. It examined masculinity and male socialisation, including emotional suppression, hyper-independence, dominance and control, and how these issues intersect with consent.

Murdoch stressed that both men and women must be involved in efforts to combat gender-based violence.

“Treating the issue of combating gender-based violence as a women’s issue just does not work because it’s not a women’s issue,” he said. “It is an all-of-society issue that affects women predominantly, but it affects men, it affects boys, it affects girls.”

The programme also included an interactive discussion involving a five-member panel and forum participants. Attendees were encouraged to engage directly with the panelists as they explored masculinity, gender-based violence and the social pressures confronting men and boys.

The forum concluded with a scenario-based session during which participants examined and challenged common situations, beliefs and difficulties experienced by men.

The “Man in the Mirror Men’s Forum” formed part of the Directorate of Gender Affairs’ broader efforts to address critical issues affecting men and boys while promoting healthier individuals, families and communities.