The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services has appointed a steering committee to guide the implementation of its Guy Talk Trinidad and Tobago programme, aimed at promoting healthy masculinity and strengthening support for men.
Minister of the People Vandana Mohit presented Letters of Appointment to committee members at the ministry’s head office in Port of Spain on September 23.
Guy Talk is a 30-day WhatsApp-based programme being implemented through the ministry’s Gender Affairs Division, with technical and financial support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The programme is designed to engage men in practical discussions and activities covering healthy masculinity, emotional regulation, respectful communication, conflict resolution, consent and seeking help.
Speaking at the presentation, Mohit said the challenges facing the population were interconnected and required a collaborative response.
“Guy Talk is an example of what can be achieved when Government, civil society, academia and development partners work together towards healthier relationships,” she said.
The steering committee includes representatives from the Ministry of the People, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the University of the West Indies and the Single Fathers Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
The committee will provide strategic guidance, strengthen referral and safeguarding arrangements, support the programme’s implementation and identify lessons to inform future initiatives.
The ministry said it would continue working with the IDB and partner agencies as preparations advance for the programme’s pre-pilot and subsequent implementation.
The initiative forms part of the ministry’s efforts to encourage positive male engagement and promote healthier relationships through collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders.
