International Men’s Day |19 November 2019

Minister Larue

‘Men should lead by example’

“It is only when all men lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.”

This statement comes in a message from the Minister for Family Affairs, Mitcy Larue, on the occasion of the International Men’s Day being celebrated today.

The full text of Minister Larue’s message reads:

“Today, November 19, is International Men’s Day. On this day we in Seychelles join the rest of the world to celebrate the positive values men bring to the world, their families and communities under the theme ‘Men leading by example’.

“On this day we also take the opportunity to highlight some issues affecting our boys and our men, while at the same time encouraging our men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. This include dealing with the health issues that affect males, improving the relations between genders, and highlighting the importance of male role models and promoting gender equality.

“Putting men at the forefront forms part of my ministry’s implementation of its strategic objectives for the wellbeing of all families. In order to achieve these objectives there is a need to educate and sensitize boys and men about their roles and responsibilities within the families.

“Men, it is not only an honour to be a man but understand that this comes with a great responsibility. Everyone has a father, friend, or maybe brothers, but there is always a leading man in our lives. Men are a wonderful creation of God, they complement women, the other half needed to create a family, but as we all know none of us are perfect.

“On International Men’s Day however we celebrate masculinity, because this world without men would not be what it is now, so we warmly appreciate and are happy for their existence.

“Life rewards good men by giving them a beautiful family, a good job, and happiness. A real man does not care about what others think about him, and he does what is good for his family. There is no need for a man to use physical force to show the strength that exist within him.

“Therefore I call upon all men to be real and positive men and try to be better every day, for the good of our families and for our society. To be a real man means to know how to face your mistakes, how to forgive, learn to love, and try to help everyone who needs you.

“As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘We must become the change we seek’. It is only when all men lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.”