Family Affairs Minister Jeanne Simeon’s message on the occasion of International Men’s Day celebrated on November 19 |18 November 2017

‘Let’s show appreciation to men and boys making a positive difference’

We have to show appreciation and give a platform to the men and boys who are making a positive difference, Family Affairs Minister Jeanne Simeon has said in her message on theoccasion of International Men’s Day celebrated on November 19.

The minister’s message reads:“Today we join with the other countries of the world to commemorate International Men’s Day.

“This is a day to reflect on the contributions of Seychellois men and boys in our families and communities. A day to recognise that through our relationships and partnerships, men and women as well as boys and girls, can work together to bring educational, economic and social progress in society. It is also a day to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our men and boys and thank them for the many sacrifices that they make.

“This year’s theme is about celebrating the men and boys in our lives. It is a theme with a positive message that reminds us that despite the many challenges, most men and boys are fulfilling their responsibilities in their families and communities.

“Too often, we tend to focus on problems and what is negative in our society. Yes, we do have some serious challenges that we have to face and address. But it is time that we show appreciation and give a platform to the men and boys who are making a positive difference. It is time we stop generalising and allowing the actions of a minority of men and boys to define the wonderful and hard work that the majority of our men and boys are doing every day.

“This is the essence of this year’s theme. It is a call to recognise that most men and boys are caring, that they are hardworking and that they contribute to family life. It is a reminder that not all men are perpetrators of domestic violence, alcoholics or drug addicts. A reminder that not all boys are truants or ill-disciplined.

“On this International Men’s Day, let us therefore be inspired by the actions of such men and boys. Let us promote the good things that they do every day; small things that have big impacts, like taking their children to school, taking an interest in their education, spending quality time with them, acting as positive male role models and being active in their development.

“Let us promote the actions of our boys who are excelling in school, boys who are standing strong and saying no to drugs and alcohol, boys who demonstrate budding leadership qualities, boys who stand up for their peers  and speak out against bullying and other disruptive behaviours in their  schools and neighbourhoods. Let us today, celebrate what is good and positive in our men and boys.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Family Affairs, I wish every man and boy in Seychelles a wonderful day. Keep on doing those small things that you do every day because you are truly making a big difference.”