As International Men’s Day approaches, Empowamen is preparing to host a transformative event—the International Men’s Day Summit on November 16. A gathering that promises to redefine masculinity and confront urgent issues facing men today, the Summit has already generated excitement and a sense of purpose among communities across South Africa. This year’s theme, “Zero Suicide in Men,” underscores the commitment of Empowamen to addressing mental health head-on, fostering open dialogue, and creating a network of allies ready to reshape the future of manhood.

The Summit will take place at Empowaworx House, a place that has already seen a prelude to this mission. Recently, over 50 organisations dedicated to men’s advocacy convened at Empowaworx House in preparation for the Summit, setting the tone for a new era of collaborative change. These groups, which represent a wide range of initiatives—from mentorship and education to tackling the stigmas around men’s mental health—came together with a singular goal: to support, uplift, and inspire a new generation of men.

But the International Men’s Day Summit isn’t just a gathering; it’s a movement. Empowamen has launched its “Bring Your 200” initiative, a challenge that calls on leaders within the community to rally 200 men each from their networks to attend the event. The reward is as symbolic as it is practical: the individual who gathers the most attendees will receive R10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, along with an additional R5,000 to support their own organization’s work. This initiative is designed not only to mobilize attendance but to foster a spirit of collective action and community-driven change.

As for the Summit itself, Empowamen has curated a lineup of speakers and panels to inspire, challenge, and educate. Esteemed actor and cultural icon Dr. John Kani will deliver the opening keynote, “Man and Identity,” a powerful exploration of masculinity’s complexities and the evolving concept of identity. The Summit will further dive into pressing topics that shape men’s lives today, from the rights and roles of fathers to mental health, addiction, divorce, spirituality, and the future of masculinity. In addressing these often-taboo topics, Empowamen hopes to shatter the silence that surrounds men’s mental health and to advocate for the importance of vulnerability.

Supported by prominent media partners like Metro FM and Primedia Outdoor, as well as initiatives like What About The Boys and #NoExcuse, the Summit is poised to make an impact on a national scale. The anticipated audience of 4,000 men will not only participate in conversations but will witness firsthand the power of open, authentic dialogue in dismantling harmful stereotypes and building a culture of support.

Simphiwe Masiza, Co-Founder of Empowamen, speaks to the importance of this event. “We are looking forward to hosting men who are committed to change—not only within themselves but in the communities around them. Through collaboration and connection, we can truly make a difference and empower men to be true allies.”

The Summit, free to attend, is open to all men ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation. For Empowamen, this is not simply an event but a call to action. As the conversation around men’s mental health, identity, and resilience deepens, this International Men’s Day Summit offers a unique platform to inspire lasting change.