The Capricorn Foundation partnered with Capacity Grow and the Response Action-based Organisation to host a day-and-a-half engagement for men called "Empowered Responsible Men" on 10 and 11 September. This initiative, sponsored by the Capricorn Foundation, aims to provide men with emotional intelligence and a sense of responsibility, empowering them to be positive role models in their communities. The programme aims to create a lasting impact by encouraging participants to share what they've learned with others.
Fifteen men from various areas were selected for the programme, including Hakahana, Otjomuise, Goreangab, Okahandja Park, Baumgartsbrunn, and Groot Aub. These participants were provided with tools and materials to help them present the training programme to men in their own communities to increase its impact. Topics covered included conflict management, communication, stress management, leadership, emotional intelligence, and emotional debt.
“Men are expected to be pillars in their communities. If they lack appropriate emotional management and accountability, they may fall short of these expectations, negatively impacting their communities. The lack of emotional intelligence, unresolved past experiences, and the lack of responsibility among men may significantly impact well-being, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics and societal stability. For this reason, there is a need to invest in empowering men with the necessary tools to take responsibility in their communities," said Siegfried Lange, Director of Capacity Grow.
“An engagement in emotional intelligence coupled with helping participants to let go of past trauma and instilling a sense of responsibility may improve men's mental health, relationship quality, family dynamics, and societal contributions. The intervention titled 'Empowered Responsible Men' aims to achieve just that," he concluded.
The partnership between Capacity Grow and the Response Action-based Organisation arose from a shared recognition of the need to empower men to manage their emotions and embrace their roles within society. This empowerment is essential for personal growth and creating a sustainable ripple effect within the community. By equipping men to become leaders in emotional intelligence and responsibility, the initiative hopes to nurture stronger, more resilient communities.
The Capricorn Foundation supported the "Empowered Responsible Men" initiative to promote societal transformation and personal responsibility. Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation, stated, "We are committed to fostering positive change by investing in men's emotional well-being and accountability, which ultimately contributes to the health and stability of entire communities. The Capricorn Foundation strongly believes in the power of collaboration to achieve greater impact. Capacity Grow, and the Response Action-based Organisation are two separate projects that the Capricorn Foundation supports. We are delighted to support them since they have partnered for this initiative."
The “Empowered Responsible Men" programme marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a broader, long-term initiative. The programme's success in Windhoek's informal areas may lead to future expansions to other parts of Namibia. The goal is to create a critical mass of empowered men who can positively influence their families, peers, and communities by fostering emotional intelligence and responsibility.
