What is the 'What About The Boys?' programme about?
AT A FIRST GLANCE:
- First-of-its-kind PREVENTATIVE programme (Designed to be proactive and not reactive)
- Aligned to Pillar 2 (Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion) of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF
- Evidence-based approach to influencing positive behavioral and societal changes in the long-term
- A safe space for boys to connect, relate, and engage meaningfully
- Cultivating a culture on MENtorship between Men
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO:
- Break rigid stereotypes
- Instill collective accountability through a multi-sectoral national movement against GBVF
- Teach a new and inclusive definition of masculinity
- Implement at scale in communities across South Africa
- Share emotions in healthy ways
- Accept and connect with others
- Stand up and Speak out against bullying and inequality
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
Addressing GBV demands multifaceted responses and collective commitment from stakeholders: government, civil society, and citizens alike. Join us as a co-investor to nurture a generation of principled men through our "What About The Boys" program.
Milestone Target:
To reach and impact 100 000 boys nationally
- 15 000 boys already reached (progress tracker)
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 programme equips and guides boys with a phased approach on their quest to reinvent masculinity
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
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
