Men and Women stand together to address what’s tearing families apart and restore unity…

For two days now our airwaves have carried two separate, escalating conversations — one led by women, the other by men — each sharpening grievances into accusations and each deepening the distance between households and communities. On one side, women have poured out stories of disappointment, fear and sacrifice: partners who are emotionally absent, physically unsafe, or simply unwilling to shoulder responsibility. On the other side, men have pushed back with feelings of being disrespected, maligned, pressured, and compared unfairly to mythic or criminalized standards of “success.” The result has been repeated exchanges of outrage instead of exchange, and that is why tonight’s joint round table is necessary.

The Current Discourse

- Women’s discourse: Many women’s voices on our stations and across social media have described a pattern in which they “settle for less” because their partners do not show up as caregivers, providers, or respectful companions. These conversations are raw and urgent: participants described partners who are frequently absent from home and family life because of long hours, chronic unreliability or infidelity; others speak of relationships where verbal, emotional or physical abuse makes safety and dignity impossible. That discourse demands acknowledgement that women’s unmet needs and vulnerabilities are real and structural — tied to economic stress, cultural norms and failures of accountability.

- Men’s discourse: Men’s responses have been fueled by a sense of betrayal and frustration. Many men say they feel demonized when women castigate “men” broadly for the actions of some, while ignoring the pressures men face — joblessness, social expectations of stoicism, lack of support for mental health, and the stigma of failure. Some callers have accused women of being overly demanding, materialistic, or comparing decent men to criminals who earn more — a comparison that wounds and sparks defensiveness. Men insist that public shaming and one-sided narratives erode their dignity and make honest partnership harder. They also pointed to a biased, systemic attack on men and boys by the government, which they say focuses resources on empowering girls while neglecting the needs and development of boys.

Two Concrete Examples that Made a Joint Forum Necessary

- A lady’s accusation: During the Monday night ladies round table discussion, a female contributor said bluntly that many women “settle for less because our men aren’t man enough.” She described a partner who was frequently absent, refused to help with childcare, and responded to requests for emotional support with denial or aggression. She warned that children are growing up learning that neglect and disrespect are normal, and demanded community and legal structures that hold men accountable.

- A man’s accusation: In response, on Tuesday evening during men only round table discussion, a male panelist accused women of comparing “regular men” to those who make quick money through illegal activities, saying: “You expect men to provide like kings but then insult us if we cannot match criminals’ lifestyles — then you say we lack ambition.” He argued that many men feel trapped by unemployment, lack of opportunities and support as well as stigma, and that some women’s public criticism and insults eg. “Men are Trash”?damages men’s self-worth and drives them further into despair.

Why a Joint Table Tonight

These are not isolated barbs; they are mirror images that fuel one another: women’s pain meets men’s wounded pride, and both turn inward into defensiveness rather than outward toward repair. The separate panels on this past Monday and Tuesday clarified grievances — but also showed us how easy it is to talk past each other. Tonight’s combined round table is built to break that loop: to let women name harm and needs; to let men explain pressures and vulnerabilities; and, most importantly, to move from accusation to accountability and to concrete solutions.

What We Seek Tonight

This is a call for honesty without humiliation and for solutions without scapegoats. The aim is not to absolve wrongdoing or excuse neglect, but to create a space where both sexes can hear one another without interruption, to translate pain into practical commitments (from community supports, counselling and parenting programs, to economic opportunity and stronger protections against abuse) and to restore the basic unity families need to thrive.

Join the Conversation

Be part of this urgent public repair. Listen, call in, and contribute constructively tonight on Radio Bop Africa and Radio Mmabatho Africa: Radio Bop Africa https://iono.fm/s/283 and Radio Mmabatho Africa https://iono.fm/s/377. Come with honesty, leave with commitment — for the sake of our partners, our children, and our communities.

This initiative is part of the Reclaiming and Restoring the Unity of Humanity project, pioneered by Mr. Nixau Kealeboga Gift Mogapi, Founder and Executive Chairman of AGT Media Group. He has offered all AGT Media Group broadcasting platforms (radio, television, newspaper, and social media) to the public for constructive use in promoting healthy, sustainable family life, strengthening communities, and advancing the success of our nation.