Women leaders supporting mental health initiatives in Malawi have called for urgent action to address the growing mental health crisis affecting men, saying stigma and cultural expectations continue to prevent many from seeking help.
According to figures from the Malawi Police Service, the country recorded 95 suicide cases between January and March this year, up from 92 cases during the same period last year.
Men account for 80 percent of the victims and mental health advocates say the figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and open conversations surrounding men’s mental well-being.
Commenting on the situation, Tibe Khonde Mental Health Initiative executive director Jefferson Milanzi, , said many men continue to suffer in silence because society discourages them from expressing emotional pain.
“Many men are battling depression, stress, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts alone because they fear being judged as weak when they seek help,” he said.
Among women championing the initiative is Jacqueline Bokosi, chief executive officer of CTS Courier and CTS Funeral Services, who said her passion for mental health advocacy comes from personal experience after losing her husband.
“When I lost my husband, I went through severe emotional distress. The bank froze our accounts and I struggled to pay salaries and other obligations. I became deeply depressed and at one point, suicide seemed like the only option,” she said.
Bokosi said she later rebuilt her life through resilience and support, adding that depression is not the end of life.
“Men are the backbone of many families. When their mental health is stable, they can lead well at home and contribute positively to the economy,” she said.
Gift of the Givers Malawi country director Sherifa Mia said men’s mental health requires urgent attention because they struggle to discuss their challenges openly.
“The biggest challenge is that men feel they cannot talk about their struggles because culturally they are expected to toughen up. Many fear being seen as weak,” she said.
Mia said Gift of the Givers Foundation partnered with Tibe Khonde Mental Health Initiative as part of its broader mental health work and has since organised mental health workshops for men within the organisation.
Meanwhile, Tionge Mtambo said her daily experiences as a primary school teacher inspired her to support men’s mental health advocacy.
“I see firsthand how young men struggle to balance academic pressure with emotional burdens in their personal lives. Boys are often taught to hide their feelings, leading to suppressed trauma,” she said.
Mental health advocates have since urged government, companies and communities to strengthen counselling, awareness and workplace mental health programmes targeting men.
