The Honourable Ayanna Webster-RoyA message from the Minister

"Let me assure you of something many of you are already aware of. The Gender  Affairs Division recognises the vulnerability of our boys and men. The Government is committed to leaving no one behind and ensuring prosperity of all, men and boys, not just women and girls.

We are concerned about men’s emotional health, mental health, academic prowess, economic struggles,relationship safety, and capacity to be constructive, contributing citizens.


Part of our national progress will be the establishment of a Men’s Bureau, a dedicated platform to support and address men’s issues and provide a structured approach to effectively dealing with the challenges affecting men’s personal and professional lives.”

                         The Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy
              Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister-Central
        Administrative Services Tobago, Gender and Child Affairs,
                        National AIDS Coordinating Committee

 

 

Overview of the Men’s Bureau of Trinidad and Tobago

The Men’s Bureau of Trinidad and Tobago was established as part of the Government's commitment to address the unique challenges faced by men and boys in our society. This initiative ensures that men have access to the resources, support, and the guidance necessary to overcome obstacles and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

The Men’s Bureau aims to be a transformative platform, offering tailored services to enhance the well-being, health, and empowerment of men and boys nationwide.

What the Men’s Bureau Offers

 

 

The Men’s Bureau provides a comprehensive range of services and programmes accessible through an innovative online portal, ensuring convenience and privacy for users. The portal will serve as a one-stop hub for:

  • Health and Wellness Resources: Guidance on physical and mental health, including stress management, chronic illness prevention, and healthy living strategies.
  • Legal Advice: Information on navigating family court, custody matters and other legal challenges.
  • Employment Support: Access to career guidance, skill-building workshops, and job placement services.
  • Social Services: Connection to counselling, financial aid programmes, and housing assistance.
  • Community Engagement: Opportunities to join support groups, mentorship programmes, and national initiatives.

 

The portal is designed to bridge the gap between men and critical services, ensuring that help is just a click away.

 

Target Audience

The Men’s Bureau is dedicated to serving men and boys across Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those in vulnerable or underserved communities.

Aims of the Men’s Bureau

  1. Promote Holistic Development: Foster the physical, emotional, and social well-being of men and boys.
  2. Enhance Access to Resources: Provide seamless access to essential services through an integrated online platform.
  3. Strengthen Collaborative Networks: Build partnerships with state agencies, civil society organisations, and international bodies to amplify efforts addressing men’s issues.
  4. Raise Awareness: Educate the public on the challenges faced by men and boys, reducing stigma and promoting gender equality.

 

Objectives of the Men’s Bureau

  1. To reduce disparities in men’s health and well-being through targeted interventions and outreach.
  2. To create a registry of organisations supporting men, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing.
  3. To offer tailored programmes that address mental health, employment, family life, and masculinity.
  4. To support national development goals by promoting gender equality and male empowerment.

 

How the Men’s Bureau Came About

The establishment of the Men’s Bureau was driven by compelling statistics and the urgent need for targeted action:

  • Health Disparities: While men are concerned about their well-being, they are often hesitant to access healthcare services. This is concerning as in Trinidad and Tobago, Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for over 60% of annual deaths.
  • High Rates of Violence: From January 1st to September 4th, 2023, 361 out of 396 homicide victims were men.
  • Mental Health Concerns: Since 2020, men have accounted for 83% of self-inflicted deaths, with Trinidad and Tobago ranking third in the English-speaking Caribbean for suicide rates.
  • Structural Challenges: Limited collaboration among NGOs and inadequate data collection have hindered progress in addressing men’s needs effectively.

By addressing these gaps, the Men’s Bureau aims to unify efforts across ministries, NGOs, and civil society to create sustainable, impactful change.

 

A Collaborative Approach

The Men’s Bureau encourages collaboration with stakeholders such as government ministries, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector. Together, we can:

  • Share resources.
  • Amplify expertise.
  • Implement impactful programmes that address men’s health and well-being.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Strategy of Trinidad and Tobago, the Men’s Bureau is poised to be a catalyst for meaningful transformation.

 

Working Together With Civil Society

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to work in partnership with Civil Society, for the benefit for the greater good and benefit of our men and boys. Organisations desirous of working collaboratively with the Gender Affairs Division, are asked to visit the following link, and carefully complete the detailed CSO Registration Form. For further information, please contact the Men’s Bureau at mens.bureau@gov.tt.

REGISTER NOW AS A CSO under the Men’s Bureau of Trinidad and Tobago here!

 

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