February 28, 2025, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea || The Man of Honour (MoH) program hosted a one-hour discussion session at the Digicel Headquarters, focusing on the critical issues of mental health and violence. The session aimed to emphasize the importance of encouraging men to stand up and speak out against violence, recognizing that speaking up is the first step towards addressing and combating these issues in society.

The discussions centered on strategies and insights for fostering a supportive environment for men to address and combat violence. Key strategies included encouraging men to embrace healthy and positive forms of masculinity, challenging stereotypes, addressing underlying issues such as trauma or substance abuse, and supporting networks for men to share their feelings and challenges, as well as seeking help through counseling.

Stanley Bakere, Program Manager of the Digicel PNG Foundation Men of Honour program, facilitated the session. He highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for men to address and combat violence. “Through our MoH program, we believe in respecting one another and encouraging men to act in meaningful ways,” Bakere stated.

Statistics underscore the urgency of these discussions. In 2020, about one in five American adults experienced a mental health condition, and one in six young people had a major depressive episode. Additionally, only 3% to 5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals with serious mental illness, while people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime.

Twelve Digicel staff members actively participated in the discussions, raising their hands to address mental health and violence, demonstrating their commitment to these critical issues.

A participant, Sinai Koavea, highlighted cultural norms as a significant factor contributing to violence. "It is crucial for men to discern when it is appropriate to assert themselves and when it is not. Additionally, being aware of and addressing language barriers is essential," he stated.

The session highlighted the critical need for ongoing dialogue and action to support men's mental health and combat violence. By fostering a supportive environment and addressing underlying issues, we can make significant strides towards a safer and healthier society. We encourage everyone to join the conversation and act. Support mental health initiatives, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create safe spaces for open discussions. Together, we can make a difference.