Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

WHEN PEOPLE DON’T SPEAK FREELY THEY CARRY EMOTIONAL BURDENS’

By Sitakele Maseko Community Circles Coordinator | 2024-11-20

In every community, workplace, or even church, people live together with the hope of building each other, solving problems, and creating environments of love and respect.

However, there is a growing challenge that prevents individuals from fully expressing their thoughts and feelings.

This challenge is the power of suppression. Suppression happens when people are made to feel that their voices do not matter or that their opinions will lead to punishment or rejection. Suppression can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression because individuals feel trapped and powerless.

It creates fear and silence, which harm relationships and the progress of society. Suppression can take many forms, and its effects are often hidden.

Sometimes, suppression comes from leaders who hold authority in communities, workplaces, or churches. These leaders may create environments where questioning decisions is seen as disloyalty or disrespect.

In such places, people feel scared to talk about problems or suggest new ideas because they fear being punished or excluded. Over time, this silence allows problems to grow and leads to frustration and hopelessness.

traditional
In communities, suppression can occur when people with power refuse to listen to others. For example, traditional leaders, political authorities, or influential individuals may insist on doing things their way without involving the community.

When community members try to raise concerns about issues like poverty, violence, or lack of services, their voices may be ignored. This leads to a situation where people feel helpless and stop participating in discussions. Suppression in communities often creates divisions, as some people are favored while others are excluded.

In the workplace, suppression can take the form of unfair treatment by employers or managers. Employees may feel afraid to speak up about problems such as low wages, unsafe working conditions, or discrimination. This fear may come from knowing that raising concerns could leadto losing their job or being treated unfairly.

In such environments, workers suffer in silence, and their mental health is affected. They feel undervalued and powerless, which reduces their motivation and productivity. Suppression in workplaces also harms the organisation because problems are not addressed, and creativity is stifled.

Even in churches, where people expect peace and understanding, suppression can be found. Leaders in religious institutions sometimes use their authority to silence members who ask questions or express doubts.

This creates an environment where people feel judged instead of loved. In such settings, members may struggle with personal challenges but feel unable to seek help because they fear being labeled as sinners or weak. Suppression in churches prevents people from building genuine relationships and finding healing through open conversations.

Leaders fear losing control, authority, or respect if they allow others to challenge them. They may believe that maintaining order requires silence and obedience. However, this approach only creates more problems. When people feel silenced, they lose trust in their leaders and institutions.

They may begin to resist in hidden ways, such as spreading rumors, disengaging from activities, or even leaving the community, workplace, or church. Suppression also comes from cultural or societal norms.

In some communities, speaking out is seen as disrespectful or inappropriate, especially for certain groups like women, children, or younger people. This mindset teaches individuals to keep their thoughts to themselves, even when they are suffering. For example, a young girl facing abuse may feel unable to report it because her culture teaches her to respect elders and keep family matters private.

This cultural suppression allows harmful behaviours to continue.
When people are not allowed to speak freely, they carry emotional burdens that affect their well-being.

Over time, this affects their ability to contribute positively to their communities, workplaces, or churches. It also limits growth because problems are not discussed openly, and solutions are not found. Breaking the power of suppression requires courage and a change in mindset.

Leaders in communities, workplaces, and churches need to recognise that allowing people to speak freely does not mean losing control. Instead, it creates opportunities for growth, understanding, and improvement.

When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust their leaders and work together to solve problems.

dialogue
Creating spaces for open dialogue is an important step. Leaders can organise forums, meetings, or discussion groups where people feel safe to share their thoughts without fear of judgment or punishment. In workplaces, employers can create anonymous feedback systems to allow employees to express their concerns without risking their jobs.

Churches can emphasise compassion and understanding, encouraging members to share their struggles and questions without fear of rejection.

Communities also need to challenge cultural norms that promote silence. This can be done through education and awareness campaigns that teach people the value of speaking out.
For example, community leaders can organise workshops on human rights, emphasising that everyone has the right to express their views and report injustices.

Schools can play a role by teaching children to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently.

Individuals also have a role to play in breaking the cycle of suppression. It starts with small acts of courage, like speaking up when something feels wrong or supporting others who share their concerns.

Building networks of support can help individuals feel stronger and more confident in expressing themselves. For example, women in communities can form groups to discuss issues affecting them and find ways to address them collectively.

Listening is another key to ending suppression. Leaders and individuals alike must practice active listening, which means truly hearing and understanding what others are saying.

Listening creates an environment of respect and trust, where people feel valued and understood. When people see that their voices matter, they become more willing to share their thoughts and work towards solutions.

Ending oppression is not easy, but it is possible. It requires commitment from everyone involved to create environments of openness and respect. Leaders must lead by example, showing that they value honesty and transparency.
responsibility

Community members, employees, and churchgoers must also take responsibility for speaking out and supporting each other. Together, they can break the power of suppression and create spaces where everyone feels free to express themselves. When people speak freely, they share ideas that lead to innovation and progress.

Problems are addressed quickly because everyone contributes to finding solutions. Relationships improve as people build trust and understanding through open communication. Communities become stronger, workplaces become more productive, and churches become places of genuine love and support.

The power of suppression may seem strong, but it is not unbreakable, by recognising its effects and taking steps to promote freedom of expression, we can create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Suppression thrives in silence, but it fades in the presence of courage and open dialogue. Together, we can overcome it and build a society that values every voice.

share story