HARARE - Men have since been identified as the key drivers to the HIV and Aids pandemic which has had a devastating effect on humanity around the globe.

They have also been fingered in the growing number of domestic violence cases.

The media is awash with disturbing reports of gender-based violence as well as sexual violence perpetrated by men in spite of the many policies and legal instruments that protect women.

According to the Christian faith, men are supposed to be the heads of homes tasked with the responsibilities of protecting and fending for their families but today’s man has seemingly neglected this role.

Today’s man prefers to stay at home while the woman goes out to fend for the family, a practice which has promoted discord in the family set up. Such attitudes have led to the breakdown of family and heinous crimes such as rape and domestic violence.

These issues have resulted in the formation of various organisations to deal with the social ills such as Musasa Project and Padare among other organisations.

These organisations have made their impact but there has been no real behavioural change. It is sad to note that even during this period when the world commemorates the 16 days against Gender Based Violence, women are still being violated in their homes, communities and places of work.

In an effort to restore the role of men and create extraordinary gentlemen and install behaviour change, Heartfelt International Ministries led by Apostle Tabvonga Vutabwashe will this week host a five day conference to educate men on their roles.

Dubbed Men of Fire: The extra-ordinary gentlemen, the conference which will be held at Belvedere Teachers College, seeks to equip men on how to take up their positions.

Vutabwashe’s spokesperson Admire Taderera said one of the key objectives of the conference was to help men handle issues that relate to their God given mandate.

“Apostle(Vutabwashe) has dealt with the issue of violence and man’s ordained role of taking responsibility in the past. He speaks about the possibility of being a real man. He is also passionate about women’s rights as is evidence by his book entitled: Promoting the values of women,” Taderera said.

Taderera said the conference which kick starts on Wednesday evening, will also help men to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Popular American pastor Robb Thompson will be the guest of honour at the conference which is now in its second year.

Thompson who has been at the helm of Family Harvest Church in Chicago for over 30 years, has written more than 30 books on understanding relationships, building Godly marriages, as well as how to obtain success using Godly principles.

“Dr Thompson has a passion for raising Christian entrepreneurs and his expertise will no doubt benefit those attending the conference. I believe that because God created Adam first, a man must work,” Taderera said.

The Men on Fire conference will on Saturday morning host a business breakfast meeting at the Holiday Inn in Harare which will be open to both men and women.

Pastor Taruteta Mapuranga of Heartfelt said the conference would go a long way in imparting wisdom to men so that they can take up their responsibilities.

He said the wayward manner in which men who abuse women and refuse to take up responsibility, was due to ignorance.

“It is because people lack knowledge and that is why we are hosting this conference so that we can impart this information in a holistic manner,” Mapuranga said.

The church which was established at the beginning of 2011, also hosts a similar conference for women every year. - Thelma Chikwanha, Features Editor