The EmpowerMen Project, founded in 2020 by youth advocate Shavonne Bryan, is working to create a safe space for men to express themselves and access much-needed support.
Bryan explained the idea came after realising that while there were “several avenues for female empowerment and protection,” men did not have the same.
He noted that society often holds a strong stigma that “males face in terms of them being strong, them being capable of handling everything that life throws at them, but equally, we are vulnerable creatures.”
The organisation began with a digital podcast series called Manage Men, which explored topics such as men’s mental health, fatherhood, relationships, and spirituality. It later branched into physical health and mentorship sessions.
This year, the EmpowerMen Project hosted its first in-person activity, “Date with Dad,” which was held on the Saturday before Father’s Day.
The free event brought together about 25 participants, including fathers, children, and spouses. Bryan said the gathering gave dads a chance to network, receive encouragement, and celebrate fatherhood, while children and families were also engaged in separate activities.
Despite the positive momentum, Bryan admitted participation remains a challenge.
“It’s on the lower end,” he said, noting that men are often reluctant to seek support or attend empowerment sessions.
He pointed out that “a lot of men don’t think they need help… financially they have a good job, they have a stable family and they don’t think they need that additional help.”
Another barrier, he explained, is that content encouraging positive male growth is often less popular than negative or sensational content.
“You could pick up a phone, start using obscenities, and persons will share you quickly. But then if you say, ‘Hey guys, you need to love your kids,’ it may not have the same impact,” Bryan observed.
Bryan hopes the initiative can spark gradual cultural change in Saint Lucia. He defines a man simply as “someone who takes on responsibility” and believes that if fathers fully embrace their role, society would see significant benefits.
“If each man takes up his rightful position in his home, a lot of the challenges that we have in society would be gone.”
Ultimately, Bryan wants men to recognise the power they have to shape future generations.
“If those children get that love, you would now see an exponential benefit in society.”
