In July 2023 the Cha in the City Open Group for Punjabi men met virtually to discuss the topic of Navigating Divorce. Here are some reflections from the brilliant team who facilitate and contribute towards those conversations.
This month the online forum topic for discussion was ‘Navigating Divorce ‘this was a topic for discussion including the experience of forum members.
As usual there were some questions to guide the discussion on the topic, although the questions are posed to support the discussions, the conversations often are led by the participants. The questions this month that were offered included – How is divorce perceived in the Punjabi community? How does this perception impact divorcees? Are attitudes on divorce changing in the community?
The exploration of this topic took a mixture of both direct and indirect experience. There was consideration around the generational differences and attitudes around marriage and divorce. The contributions including talking about individual personal journeys and experience.
We also talked about the broader societal perspective of divorce and how this is interpreted within our community. As well as considering what the future might look at in terms of attitudes and potentially numbers.
There were differing viewpoints which added to the richness of the discussion. Whilst we might not all agree it was discussed openly and respectfully.
Whilst this subject focused on relationships and the attitudes, mental health and the impact was a thread that run through all the conversation in considering both emotional wellbeing and the responses.
The topic allowed for many differing contributions from those who participated, and the quality of the discussion was very much delivered by the contributions of the participants.
The forums are a great safe place to explore issues that have an impact either directly or indirectly to our wellbeing. Participating in the facilitated spaces are a great opportunity to share and hear about a range of subjects, and we are always keen to hear from participants and those considering participating, about subjects for future forums. The online format makes it convenient place to engage and all participants new and returning are welcome.
