Download The Latest Report 2025
What Is The Programme About?
Lasting change requires engagement before harmful behaviours become entrenched. What About The Boys? combines engaging film-based learning, guided conversation, practical materials, mentorship and ongoing engagement to create opportunities for young people to reflect on identity, respect, emotions and relationships. The programme seeks to contribute to long-term behavioural and social change by encouraging young people to take responsibility for how they relate to one another.
One programme, two complementary iterations: the original What About The Boys? focuses on boys, positive masculinity and supporting them to become allies in preventing gender-based violence. What About The Boys? 2 brings girls into the conversation to promote understanding, dignity, healthy relationships and more equitable communities. Both remain part of the same programme identity; the second iteration is now the primary implementation focus.
The 4 Key Pillars of 'What About The Boys?'
REIMAGINE MASCULINITY
To enable young men to reimagine their masculinity and gender norms
TRAUMA SUPPORT
To support them in building emotional and cognitive skills for self-regulation and healing from trauma
CREATING HOPE
To provide information and tools to build hard skills around education and income generation to alleviate poverty and create hope
SAFE SPACE SUPPORT
To create access to safe spaces and support
'What About The Boys?' Programme Goals
The programme aims to challenge rigid stereotypes, develop healthier ways of expressing emotions, encourage respectful relationships and strengthen accountability. Through guided dialogue and participation, young people are encouraged to speak out against bullying, discrimination and violence.
Milestone Target:
To reach and impact 100 000 boys and girls nationally
- 60 000 boys already reached (progress tracker)
- 400+ mentors
- 35+ organisations
Goal:
For every company in South Africa to sponsor a school to participate in the programme in townships, communities, rural areas, and cities across South Africa.
So how does it work?
The implementation combines screening and discussion of educational films, practical learning guides, mentor-facilitated conversations, personal reflection, pledges and digital follow-up. Specific delivery differs between programme iterations and implementation partners.
Phase 1:
National screening of an educational film aiming to strengthen relationship skills and build gender equity
Phase 2:
Distribution of a Blueprint booklet (The Good Men Guide) made in conjunction with the film
Phase 3:
The implementation of a national MENtorship movement, starting with guided dialogues after each screening,
that challenges gender stereotypes, is focussed on boys’ emotional development, and helps our MENtors hear and
respond to their needs
Phase 4:
Loop of accountability through a #DoBetter pledge personally signed by each boy
Phase 5:
Digitally led platform that enhances ongoing engagement and feedback
Phase 6:
Completion of relevant baseline and post assessment evaluations
Help Build a Future of Respect and Shared Responsibility
Our 2023 Launch
Join the Movement: Enhancing the 'What About the Boys?' Programme
Our 2023 Presidential Ndaba
The Presidential "What About the Boys" Indaba was an impactful gathering uniting diverse stakeholders to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and raise a generation of responsible men. It featured survivor voices, highlighted the role of education in prevention, and culminated in a resounding call to action, emphasizing that young men and boys must not be left behind in the journey towards a South Africa free of GBV.
Our Sponsors
