A campaign aimed at tackling the emotional and social pressures driving male suicide in Bulawayo is urging men and boys to break their silence and seek help through established support channels.
The My Body My Future (MBMF) Expo 2025 held last week at a packed Mzilikazi Hall stressed that speaking openly about fears, stress, and life challenges is a critical step toward better mental health and informed decision-making.
The initiative comes amid concern that while much has been done to empower girls, men have often been overlooked in wellness advocacy.
Bulawayo police have repeatedly raised alarm over increasing suicide cases, most involving men.
In late 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reported that of 21 suicides recorded in the city from June that year, 20 victims were male.
By November, Bulawayo had seen a 30% rise in male suicides over a three-month period.
Sexual and reproductive health specialist, Blessed Gumbi, described the engagement as fruitful, with men and boys openly discussing factors behind the suicide trend.
“Participants showed strong awareness of what it means to be a man today,” Gumbi said.
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“They emphasised the importance of vulnerability, reaching out for help, and having a stable livelihood to fulfill their roles as providers.”
He added that attendees were knowledgeable about support pathways and recognised that “taking one’s life is not the solution—the solution lies in crying out for help and sharing with like-minded men.”
Mzilikazi residents’ chairperson Jacob Magutshwa welcomed the discussion.
“We often bottle up our feelings,” Magutshwa said.
“If someone feels they can’t provide for their family, they may see suicide as the only way out.
“Talks like this play a huge role in changing that.”
Witness Tavarwisa, a men’s forum facilitator, praised the initiative for creating a non-judgmental space.
“We haven’t done enough to capacitate men and boys as future leaders,” he said.
“This forum allowed them to discuss their emotions and problems—issues affecting them and their children—openly.”
The My Body My Future project is a consortium by Plan International, the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, the Sexual Rights Centre, and the Intwasa Arts Festival.
