NGO bemoans low participation of men in project activities

By Chilungamo Missi

Applied Development Communications and Training Services (ADECOTS), an organisation that strives to stimulate positive behaviour and social change, has bemoaned low participation of men in project activities the organisation is implementing in Chiradzulu district.

The organisation is implementing a project called Strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), which focuses on district capacity and social mobilisation for cholera and flood-affected communities for improved adoption of optimal family practices in protection, nutrition, health, HIV, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

ADECOTS Project Facilitator Asiphiwe Njako said this on Monday at Chiradzulu District Health Office during a meeting with stakeholders when she briefed them on the progress of the project, as well as mapping way forward to address some of the challenges the project encountered during project implementation.

She said the project is trying to change people\’s mindset and mobilise them to recover from effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy which hit the district last year, leaving many communities helpless.

“The district was hit by Tropical Cyclone Freddy which affected many people in many ways. Basically, what we are doing is to change people’s behaviour in terms of how they think about education, nutrition, HIV and Aids, and health in general.

“From how we have been implementing the project, men have always shown less interest in the project activities. The project aims to reach every person in Chiradzulu and if a man does not take part in the activities, it means we are not reaching the target,” she said.

She added that men must take active and leading role in development project activities, saying men were always at the center of issues discussed during activities, citing that men were mostly involved in issues of sexual harassment such that it becomes hard to address such issues in their absence.

Commenting on the issue, Chiradzulu District Health Promotions Officer, Dalitso Gulani, expressed worry that men shun important project activities and suggested that there should be an enhanced community awareness and engagement with men.

“There is need for community awareness and community engagement with the local leaders like councilors, chiefs, and influencers, such as pastors. We want men to participate in different activities in the community and create a knowledgeable community which will assist in decision-making whether in health, agriculture, and environmental management,” he said.