By creating dedicated spaces for men to connect and confront shared challenges, the organization continues to strengthen the social fabric of the diaspora community.
ZCUSA Hosts Inaugural Men’s Conference
By Zvakwana Nomore Sweto
Edmonton, Alberta – The Zimbabwe Cultural Society of Alberta (ZCUSA) recently convened its inaugural Men’s Conference in Edmonton, bringing together community members for a day of candid conversation, mutual support, and collective problem-solving. The event marked a significant milestone for the organization, which serves as a vital community hub for Zimbabweans across Canada.
Hosted by Kennedy Bumhira (MC Ken), the event saw various speakers taking the centre stage to address issues related to men’s well-being. Ken ensured the smooth flow of the event affording attendees an opportunity to ask questions and contribute in an open flow free from the fear of being judged.
Other speakers included Richard Manyonga, Daniel Maroma, Danny Bay, Coach Maiden.
One of the central themes of the conference was mental health, a topic that remains heavily stigmatized in many communities. Speakers and facilitators created a safe space for attendees to discuss the unique psychological pressures faced by men, particularly immigrants navigating the complexities of life in Canada.
Mr. Daniel Maroma took the stage at the Men’s Conference and delivered a powerful, practical session on financial literacy that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. As he walked the audience through the fundamentals of saving, the intricacies of taxes, and the importance of understanding different bank accounts, his message was clear: financial freedom begins with education.
“A man who does not understand his money will always work for another man who does, ” he told the crowd, urging them to take ownership of their financial futures. The topic was met with enthusiastic applause, as attendees recognized the immediate value of his guidance in their own lives.
Men’s Conference in pictures
The conference also tackled the growing concern of drug and alcohol abuse within the community. Discussions examined how stressors such as immigration challenges, unemployment, and social isolation can contribute to substance use disorders. Attendees shared personal stories and strategies for intervention, with community leaders emphasizing the importance of early support and destigmatization of addiction recovery.
In an era of demanding work schedules and economic pressures, finding equilibrium between professional obligations and personal life emerged as another critical topic. Conference sessions addressed the particular challenges faced by men who often work multiple jobs or irregular hours while trying to maintain meaningful family connections. Practical advice was shared on time management, stress reduction, and setting healthy boundaries.
The role of men as heads of their families was discussed through a modern lens, emphasizing partnership, emotional availability, and active parenting. Rather than focusing solely on traditional authority, the conversations centered on responsible leadership, guiding families through open communication, financial stewardship, and modeling healthy behaviors for the next generation.
There has been a growing concern of men being abused by their wives and this was part of the discussions. One could tell the pain and prison some men are going through by the look on their faces when they got the opportunity to open up on such issues.
The inaugural Men’s Conference reflects ZCUSA’s broader mission of fostering unity and support among men in Alberta. By creating dedicated spaces for men to connect and confront shared challenges, the organization continues to strengthen the social fabric of the diaspora community.
As ZCUSA looks ahead, the success of this first meeting suggests that the Men’s Conference may become a recurring fixture on the organization’s calendar, an important step toward ensuring that all members of the community feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Meanwhile, attendees of the conference expressed interest in taking part on the soon-to-be launched podcast by Afri-CAN Magazine on the men’s edition of The Unrevealed Truth.
