UDACIZA Calls for Open Conversations as Men Face “Silent Battles” Across Zimbabwe

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he Union for Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe and Africa (UDACIZA) has urged men across the country to break the culture of silence surrounding mental health, warning that thousands continue to suffer quietly under the pressure to appear strong.

In a weekend statement, UDACIZA said many men are battling stress, depression, anxiety, and emotional strain without receiving the support they need.

“Men everywhere face silent battles: stress, depression, anxiety, and the pressure to ‘be strong.’ Too often, these struggles go unspoken,” the organisation said. “At UDACIZA, we believe strength is found in speaking out, seeking help, and supporting one another.”

The call aligns with the Movember campaign, a global initiative focusing on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and wellbeing. UDACIZA said the Apostolic community and the wider society must “reject the myth that men must suffer alone” and instead create safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and emotional support.

The organisation also appealed to churches, community leaders, and families to prioritise men’s mental wellness, saying stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help.

“We stand for strong mental health, resilient mental health, and equality within our communities,” UDACIZA added.

The solidarity message tagged several key partners and stakeholders working in the mental health and gender sector, including UNFPA Zimbabwe, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, Trocaire, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Oxfam, the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, Men’s Health, United Nations, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

UDACIZA said coordinated efforts among churches, civil society, and development partners are essential if Zimbabwe is to effectively address the silent suffering of men.

The organisation encouraged citizens to continue sharing awareness using hashtags such as #Movember, #MensMentalHealth, #ApostolicForEquality, #StrongMentalHealth, and #ResilientMentalHealth.