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Submission information
Submission Number: 223
Submission ID: 1375
Submission UUID: dc57e422-340a-4962-911f-8e9756aa1626
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sun, 06/29/2025 - 11:14
Completed: Sun, 06/29/2025 - 11:59
Changed: Fri, 07/25/2025 - 10:49
Remote IP address: 169.0.193.88
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Ms. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Seodi |
| Firstname | Palesa |
| Palesa.Seodi2@gauteng.gov.za | |
| Mobile | 0605713781 |
| Institution | Gauteng department of health |
| Biosketch | Name: Palesa Valerie Seodi is an Assistant Director for HIV, TB & STI Management in the Integrated Employee Health and Wellness Programme (IEHWP) at the Gauteng Department of Health. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from North-West University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Western Cape. With 23 years of experience, 10 yrs in Employee Assistance Programmes and 13 in HIV, she brings expertise in psychosocial support, workplace wellness, and gender-responsive public health. She co-founded the Provincial Men’s Health Forum in 2014, officially launched by the MEC for Health in 2015. Under her leadership, the Men’s Health Programme has grown into a leading initiative promoting men’s health, emotional well-being, and inclusive care across Gauteng. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Promoting Resilience and Recovery Through Men’s Health: A Theoretical and Practice-Based Innovation from the Gauteng Department of Health |
| Theme Selection | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises |
| Subtheme ONE Selection | SUB 1.3 How social workers support resilience, adaptation, and recovery in affected communities. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | This abstract presents a theoretical exploration and practice-based innovation through the Gauteng Department of Health’s Men’s Health Programme, a community-level response supporting men’s health, recovery, and resilience. The programme addresses the long-standing lack of psychosocial and emotional support for men in public health and social workspaces, which has contributed to poor health-seeking behaviour, emotional suppression, substance abuse, suicide, violence, and financial distress. Using a district-based implementation model, the programme engages men through peer education, support group sessions, mental health campaigns, fitness activities, and health education. It encourages men to improve their well-being, reflect on their roles, and rebuild relationships , with women, their children, and especially the boy child. Rooted in feminist and social justice perspectives, the programme challenges harmful gender norms while promoting healing and adaptation in communities facing poverty and trauma. Results include increased health participation, reduced stigma, and stronger community partnerships. While not a formal research study, this work offers both theoretical insights and practical lessons for social workers advancing inclusive, gender-responsive, and community-led approaches in affected communities. |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Sandile |
| Lastname | Dhludhlu |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Sandile |
| Lastname | Dhludhlu |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |