MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO-There is an art exhibition for selected boys and men from Nemamwa majoring in sculpture, weaving and art at Nemanwa Growth Point near Great Zimbabwe Monuments this Saturday.
The exhibition and engagement are spearheaded by Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Law student Angela Maduro and Kudakwashe Mutemachimwe a computer engineering graduate from Midlands State University (MSU).
Maduro is carrying out a project titled Engaging Men and Boys Affected by Toxic Masculinity in Promoting and Preserving Culture through Entrepreneurship with sponsorship from the Culture Fund and the European Union (EU).
She confirmed the exhibition and engagement to The Mirror. Maduro said Purazeni Jakata, the founder of Masvingo Provincial Disability Network Organisation will be the guest speaker.
“We are holding the creative actions project event funded by EU and Culture Fund. The project is also centred on engaging with artists to discuss the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion as well as introducing them to cultural entrepreneurship.
“During the event, we will engage in mentorship sessions on how best men and boys can deal with toxic masculine norms. The event is also open to individuals who want to see and buy crafts made by the artists,” she said.
Her five-month-long program began on August 30, 2023, and is running until January 30, 2024. It entails assisting men and boys to create artistic works such as weaving baskets, painting and sculpture making.
“I have initiated several community projects with a special focus on the rights of men and boys since they are a marginalized group due to societal gender roles imposed on them. These roles refrain them from expressing their emotional vulnerabilities thereby leading to drug and alcohol abuse, violence and suicides,” she said.
Angela said the primary beneficiaries are men with a history of drug and substance abuse. She also said men living with disabilities, unemployed and school dropouts are also considered.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us