Healing Masculinity is an initiative aimed at tackling men's mental health, and I collaborated with Voice for Health, which initially had a females-only session. I worked with the founder to introduce a male-only session, which takes place at the end of every month. we've dedicated significant time and effort to this project.
I decided to focus on men's mental health because it's a neglected issue, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where men often view it as a sign of weakness. When I was promoting the sessions, some friends called it feminine or gay, but I persevered.
We've had our third session, and I plan to continue. The issue is that men often internalize their emotions, leading to sudden outbursts. I'm advocating for men to speak openly about their struggles, sharing their experiences, and communicating their feelings. This way, women and children, who are often the recipients of men's anger, can be protected.
It's essential to recognize that mental health isn't a sign of weakness, and seeking help is okay. By talking openly, men can prevent harm to themselves and those around them.