On February 1, 2025, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) hosted a webinar titled Global Action to Advance Men’s Mental Health Interventions. The event brought together leading experts, advocates, and organizations from around the world to address the pressing mental health crisis facing men globally. The webinar focused on implementing strategies to tackle systemic inequities, promote universal access to care, and foster culturally responsive mental health interventions for men.
The webinar featured a series of discussions moderated by Ruhamah Ifere and led by renowned speakers. Sivam Velautham, Founder of Voice of Men 360, opened the dialogue with a compelling session titled “Institutional Interventions to Address Toxic Masculinity and Promote Men’s Mental Health” Velautham emphasized the need to challenge harmful stereotypes and create institutional frameworks that support men’s emotional well-being.
Glory LivingStone, Founder of Mental Health Africa, and Diondré Johnson followed with an insightful presentation on “Combating Stereotypes in Media and Empowering Fathers for Positive Mental Health” They highlighted the importance of reshaping societal perceptions of fatherhood and providing fathers with the tools to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Dare Asobele, Founder of the Anti-Suicide and Prevention Squad, and Halima Layeni, a global advocate for men’s mental health equity, led a session titled “Overcoming Stigma, Raising Awareness, and Removing Barriers to Mental Healthcare for Men.”They called for collective action to dismantle stigma and ensure men have access to the care they need. Layeni also encouraged participants to sign and share LAAF’s global declaration advocating for men’s mental health.
Idris Mubarak, Digital Development Advocate, and Lawrence DeMarco, Executive Manager of the International Council for Men and Boys, addressed the critical issue of “Achieving Gender Equity in Family Law: Advancing Men’s Rights in Custody, Family Court, and Domestic Disputes.” Their discussion underscored the need for fair legal frameworks that support men’s mental health in family-related matters.
Jide Ogunleye, President of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, and Domenico Vito, Chair of the Health & Climate Committee at the Rotary Club of Social Entrepreneurs, concluded the speaker series with a session on “Addressing Underfunding, Advancing Accessible and Culturally Responsive Mental Health Services.” They emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and accessible mental health services tailored to men’s unique needs.
The webinar also marked the introduction of LAAF’s global declaration, urging world leaders to take decisive action to address the men’s mental health crisis. The declaration calls on the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the World Federation for Mental Health to increase funding, combat stigma, integrate mental health support into healthcare systems, and prioritize early intervention and community-based support. Participants were encouraged to sign and share the declaration to amplify the call for change.
Halima Layeni, Founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective action and global solidarity in advancing men’s mental health. She urged participants to continue the conversation, advocate for policy changes, and support initiatives that promote mental well-being for men worldwide.
The Global Action to Advance Men’s Mental Health Interventions webinar was a success, uniting voices from across the globe to address one of the most critical issues of our time. The Life After Abuse Foundation remains committed to driving change and ensuring that no man suffers in silence. To join the movement, sign the declaration and add your voice to the growing call for comprehensive support, awareness, and funding for men’s mental health. Together, we can create a world where every man has the opportunity to thrive.
Sign the declaration here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9YFB5laucylG90PjhJ3HqH0osMHOvvw0zAPRTHhm5edy0xw/viewform?usp=sharing
About Life After Abuse Foundation
The Life After Abuse Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mental health equity and providing support for individuals affected by abuse and trauma.
Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, LAAF works to create a world where everyone has access to the resources and care they need to thrive.
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