The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is expanding efforts to engage and support men through skills training, community outreach, and mental health initiatives, as the government seeks to address low participation rates in programmes designed to empower men.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said uptake among men remains significantly lower than among women, despite the rollout of parallel programmes aimed at improving access to training and support services.
“If you have, let’s say, a thousand women applied for a course, you might have a hundred men,” Persaud said in an interview on the Starting Point podcast aired last Sunday.
The ministry introduced the Empower programme as a counterpart to its Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIN), offering free, flexible training in areas such as plumbing, welding, and electrical work. The programs are accredited by the United Kingdom City and Guilds. While some men have participated, Persaud said broader engagement has required more targeted strategies.
These include community-based outreach in spaces where men are more likely to gather, such as barber shops, as well as engagement through schools and youth programmes. The ministry has also trained individuals including coaches, taxi drivers and bartenders to help disseminate information and identify men who may benefit from support services.
A key component of the initiative is the “Brave Circle” and “Brave Centre,” safe spaces designed specifically for men to discuss issues ranging from fatherhood and relationships to mental health and conflict resolution. The programme evolved from virtual mental health sessions launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The idea is to meet men where they need to be met… it’s vulnerability,” Persaud said, noting that fear and stigma often prevent men from seeking help. “If we are so afraid of exposing that vulnerability, we bottle things up, and it’s no different with men.”
Persaud said many men have reported lacking positive role models or emotional support systems, which has influenced how they navigate relationships and personal challenges. The ministry’s approach includes mentorship and encouragement for men to reflect on their aspirations and personal development in a non-judgmental environment.
The government has also introduced a broader “Bridging the Gap” policy, aimed at redefining how male empowerment is approached, including encouraging men to take ownership of their roles and development while providing support services to guide that process.
Despite ongoing challenges, Persaud said the ministry is seeing progress, particularly among younger participants, and plans to expand initiatives such as the Brave Centre to reach more communities.
“As a society, we need to be kinder to everyone,” she said. “And it requires a level of maturity to just listen without being judgmental. You might hear some terrible things. You might hear some unpleasant things. But I think men need to understand that rehabilitation is possible, that support is there, and that you can change.”