The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), University of Cape Coast (UCC) has commemorated International Men’s Day on the theme: “SUPPORTING MEN AND BOYS.”

The event brought together academics, students, and gender advocates to discuss the often-overlooked struggles of men and explore ways of fostering a society where both men and women can thrive.

International Men’s Day is celebrated worldwide and focuses on the positive values men bring to the world, their families, and their communities.

The Day is observed on November 19 in about 80 countries around the world.

Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole

A former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole, who was the keynote speaker, explained that society often values men only by their ability to provide materially, leading to widespread stigma toward men who struggle financially.

He noted that “a struggling man is looked down upon,” and men’s efforts are frequently dismissed in favour of their results.

Many men, he said, suffer silently because they were socialised from childhood to believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, a belief often captured in the phrase “Barima nsu,” meaning a man does not cry.

Across the world, he added, men suffer from depression, drug abuse, suicide, and frustration, and sometimes resort to violence because they lack safe spaces to express their emotions.

Prof. Kuupole emphasized that men and boys must be given the tools to become emotionally and spiritually grounded.

“A holistic man becomes a rock of tranquility in the home and an agent of change in the community,” he said.

The keynote speaker called for a collective action, stating that supporting men and boys “cannot be achieved in isolation.”

Some partipants in the event

He urged the development of networks in schools, communities, and religious institutions that affirm men and help dismantle harmful stigmas.

Prof. Kuupole encouraged men to lead with compassion rather than domination, emphasizing that leadership is an act of stewardship.

True strength, he said, “is not the denial of pain but the willingness to feel, seek support, and move forward with resilience.” No individual, he reminded the audience, can bear the full weight of life alone.

Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, highlighted the significance of dedicating a day to explore issues that uniquely affect men.

She explained that the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on what men are going through and to acknowledge the realities that shape their daily experiences.

The Director stressed that gender stereotypes against men—especially societal expectations that discourage vulnerability—need to be critically examined.

She clarified that CEGRAD’s work is not biased toward any gender but is rooted in promoting fairness and creating supportive environments where all genders can flourish.

“Our aim is to provide support that allows everyone to thrive in society,” she noted.

Prof. Daniel Agyapong

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Allied Sciences, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, who chaired the event enumerated the pressing challenges that men face today.

Among these, he said, were mental health struggles and the intense societal pressure placed on men to suppress their emotions.

He noted that men were often expected to “mask their emotions,” which leads many to fear seeking help.

Prof. Agyapong added that the event’s theme aligns strongly with the University’s core values and urged young people to take meaningful daily action in their homes and communities to create a more supportive society.