Mental Wellness: Destigmatisation and the Role of African Culture and Patriarchy
Title: Mental Wellness: Destigmatisation and the Role of African Culture and Patriarchy
Date: 14 August 2023
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 (SAST)
Virtual link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jFivIPDgRISHga7IyShsmA
Overview: Mental health and wellness are crucial aspects of overall wellbeing, and their understanding and acceptance are vital for progress of any society. In the African context, mental health has often been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, leading to a lack of proper support and care for the affected. To address the issue, “Heal Your Mind” webinar aims to create a platform that fosters a better understanding of mental health and wellness in African communities, facilitating open discussion and promoting a destigmatisation movement.
Ms Zoliswa Ntsoko (South Africa) is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant who assists with general administration and research. She is a seasoned professional with a background in Disaster Management. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Milpark Business School, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Management from Regenesys Business School. She also holds certificates in Project Management, and in Disaster Management. Previously, she has worked as a Disaster Management Specialist at the City of Johannesburg – Disaster Management Centre.
Ms Cecilia Lwiindi Nedziwe-Moyo is the Research Coordinator at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation. She previously served as a Regional Coordinator at the Centre for Peace Initiatives in Africa (CPIA) in Zimbabwe between 2007 and 2013. She completed her master’s degree in International Studies, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia as a Rotary Peace Scholar. She has just completed her doctoral studies at Rhodes University. Her areas of interest include: gender, foreign policy, regional organisations and conflict resolution.
Ms Thembeka Somtseu is a seasoned professional with a background in the textile and construction sectors. She holds a National Diploma in Business Administration from the Durban University of Technology, and studied Development Communication and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked as a corporate communications specialist for more than ten years, serving in both local and multinational companies.