The University of the Free State (UFS) is at the forefront of addressing men’s health issues, hosting its enlightening Mask Unity Men’s Conference in collaboration with Higher Health.

Over the two days at the EBW Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus, experts delve into essential topics including effective communication, gender-based violence, and positive masculinity. The goal? Raise awareness and promote positive development through dialogue, education, and reinforcement.

Under the Theme: “Remove your mask, and speak out!”, attendees from various campuses, including UFS, Central University of Technology and Sol Plaatje University, came together to make a change.

Day 1 featured the remarkable Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health SA, who was the Keynote speaker, whose insights set the stage for impactful discussions and meaningful change.

This conference, hosted at the vibrant UFS Bloemfontein Campus, focused on crucial health issues impacting men in higher education. Topics included effective communication, addressing gender-based violence, and promoting positive masculinity.
The core objective is to raise awareness among students, fostering positive growth while advocating for behavioural change through dialogue, education, and positive reinforcement.

The conference delves into the following topics:
– Gender-based violence challenges affecting men and boys;
– Why positive masculinities;
– Sexual reproductive health rights;
– Men and Effective communication;
– Substance abuse; and
– Mental health.

Let’s unite for men’s well-being!