THE hashtag #MenAreTrash has been denounced by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
On Thursday, 17 November, the department said the hashtag was demeaning and misleading because not all men are trash.
The #MenAreTrash movement began gaining momentum following a series of gruesome killings against women and children. It further went viral following the brutal murder of Karabo Mokoena in 2017.
In response of the hashtag, a new hashtag #NotAllMenAreTrash emerged and started doing the rounds on social media.
It was welcomed by both men and women. The public denouncement of the hashtag was made at Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, as the department observed the International Men’s Day, which is celebrated annually on 19 November.
The gathering was joined by both women and men who reflected on some of the contributions and sacrifices made by men.
The scourge of gender-based violence and femicide committed by men against women and children were also brought into the spotlight.
Stress coach Mzi Mngoma said they don’t deny the fact that some men are trash. “But we must change the narrative to speak positively about men,” said Mngoma.
Director for Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment Programme, Pearl Moabelo, said: “We must continue to celebrate good men who empower boys and men who sacrifice for their families.”
She said women must continue to empower men to create safe spaces for women and children.
Reverend and advocate Petunia Seabi-Mathope said men as fathers also have the responsibility to be present in raising their children and to contribute to their emotions and finances.
“Previously in South African law, mothers were deemed to be far better equipped than their male counterpart in taking care of children.”
She said the Children’s Act has shed some light on co-parenting.
She urged fathers who are having difficulties to build a relationship with their children or are even unable to contact them to lodge a complaint with the Children’s Court or the department for intervention.
