BOSS initiative training to benefit 100 men in Region 1

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s program, Brotherhood Operating Safe Spaces (BOSS) initiative, will be offering training opportunities for men in Region One (Barima-Waini). Some 100 men from the region will undergo a two-week-long training aimed at equipping them with the skills to create safe spaces for other men, enabling them to share and provide mentorship effectively.
The goal is to encourage men to feel more comfortable sharing their experiences related to domestic abuse or other social challenges.
Manager of the Sexual Crimes and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Dr. Cona Husbands at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, shared that training will kick off in Region One with a focus on targeting and training 100 men to become mentors for their peers. Dr Husbands expressed her hopes for expanding the initiative to reach men in every region by the end of the year, emphasising that the intention of the BOSS initiative is to provide the same level of support to men as has been traditionally offered to women.
Further highlighting the ministry’s commitment to gender equality and male empowerment, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, recently launched a similar project called ‘MPOWER.’ This initiative, launched alongside a sexual assault awareness campaign, aims to enhance skills and promote financial independence among men, mirroring the opportunities provided to women through programs like WIIN.
The training will enable participants to engage more compassionately with other males and offer mentorship effectively. The ministry plans to conduct follow-up sessions, check-ins, and spot checks to assess the program’s impact fully. They encourage active public participation in raising awareness and supporting male victims of domestic violence, emphasising the importance of creating a society where all forms of abuse are acknowledged and addressed effectively.