Stefanus Nashama
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) has encouraged its male employees to reject societal stereotypes.
Speaking at the MVA Fund’s annual men’s conference network for male employees last week, the fund’s chief executive officer, Rosalia Martins-Haufiku, said that men won’t be safe and regarded as valuable members of society if they follow societal stereotypes.
“It is important that we move away from societal stereotypes and focus on creating more workplace platforms where men feel safe and included as valuable members of society,” she said.
The conference, hosted under the theme “Empowering Men for a Balanced Future,” provides a platform for mentorship and promotes work-life balance in the workplace.
“The session offers more than just camaraderie and motivational talks; it serves as a platform for mentorship, professional development, and the promotion of managing work-life balance in a fast-paced world,” she stressed.
According to Martins-Hausiku, the men’s network offers male employees at MVA Fund an opportunity to gain valuable insights into leadership, stress management, and career advancement.
She said that the platform also dismantles traditional stereotypes, which misrepresent and associate all men with social evils and crimes committed by some.
While highlighting critical areas addressed by the conference, Martins-Hausiku encouraged men to advocate for a safer world for everyone.
This includes open conversations about culturally and religiously taboo topics that affect their mental health and well-being.
She said such topics should not be overlooked in the corporate environment.
“Understanding the rapid evolution of the world and its impact on our lives, the MVA Fund advocates for nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment that is essential for the well-being of all employees,” said Martins-Hausiku.
At the same time, she emphasised that the MVA Fund hosts its Men’s Network to create a dedicated platform where men can connect, share experiences, and address unique challenges they may face in their professional lives, which may affect their personal lives as well.
“The Fund believes that creating such spaces demonstrates its commitment to understanding and supporting the diverse needs of its employees, which in turn enhances overall job satisfaction and productivity,” she concluded.