Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday Life Reporter
WITH the success of the all-female Doek events that have cropped up in recent years, with the last one being the Doek and Slay held in Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club recently, men in the city have decided not to be left behind with the holding of their own men’s outing set for 9 December.
The ladies’ events have seen a plethora of beautiful doeks, trendy outfits, and an atmosphere filled with vivacity and liveliness, despite the damp weather conditions.
At the Doek and Slay, ladies had a fantastic time, and the sound of music emanating from the venue could be heard throughout the Central Business District (CBD).
By the time the event ended at 11 pm, a long queue of cars was seen parked outside the club as the guys gazed in envy from afar, wishing they were part of the fun. As if not to be left behind Bulawayo men will in December have their own version of a men’s only event- Indoda/murume must have a straw hat and cooler box.
The event- being organised by the Zimbabwe Progressive Youth Foundation- will feature only males, and they will get to show off their fashion style by rocking straw hats and carrying a cooler box full of refreshments.
The Bulawayo Men’s Outing event, which will be held at the Hillside Dams Conservancy, is intended to create a space for men to share real-life matters and discuss possible solutions, recognising that many men struggle with mental health issues and decision-making, which can have significant impacts on their lives and the lives of those around them.
The organisers have highlighted the importance of fathers as heads of households and recognise that when a father is affected, it can have ripple effects throughout the entire family.
The event is described as a social and business networking opportunity for all men in Bulawayo, with the goal of fostering a sense of community and support among men.
“Most men commit suicide,” stated Thabani Madhlayo, founder and Director of Zimbabwe Progressive Youth Foundation.
“They make wrong decisions due to the pressures of life, business and other elements that influence mental health strength, hence men must come together, share and talk on real life matters and possible solutions.”
At the event men have been encouraged to wear straw hats as a way of identifying themselves as part of the collective effort to bring men together for networking and discussion.
“Indoda must have a straw hat which is a symbol of a real men in our city, a man among other men in this event must have a straw hat, one Shona musician Baba Harare sang a song saying ‘ana baba simudzai hat dzemurara’ meaning ‘men, lift up your straw hats,” said Madhlayo.
For socialising the event will feature several activities, including fishing competitions, braai, and drinks. There will be a dedicated session named the Bulawayo Men’s Indaba Forum, which will provide an opportunity to discuss social and business matters.
The organisers highlighted that the event is set to have notable business names from Bulawayo, including business leaders, entrepreneurs and men from various communities and sectors, with not less than 150 men expected to attend.
Madhlayo said the event will now be held quarterly.
The organisation will also be holding their traditional ‘Doek and Jeans’ festival on 2 December at the Hillside Dams Conservancy. The event is now on its third edition, having already been held twice this year. The festival is a social enterprise activity aimed at providing social and business benefits to women between the ages of 18 and 55.
The event is designed to create a platform for women to network and share experiences, encouraging each other to thrive in society.
Taking place from 12pm to 8pm, Doek and Jeans promises a range of activities for participants to enjoy. Transport from the Bulawayo Central Business District to the venue is covered on the ticket price.