IT’S TIME TO RAISE OUR BOYS RIGHT BY PROMOTING POSITIVE MASCULINITY

By Bongani Ngomane

• To meaningfully address gender-based violence, South Africa must raise boys to embrace empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence—rejecting harmful stereotypes of masculinity.
• The Gauteng Department of Social Development has launched impactful initiatives—including the Boy Child Network and partnership with Scout SA—to create safe, supportive spaces for boys to develop positively.
• Investing in the emotional and social development of boys does not undermine the progress of girls; instead, it creates safer homes, healthier communities, and a more compassionate future.

As South Africa prepares to observe the International Day of the Boy Child on 16 May, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing boys to become emotionally intelligent, respectful, and socially responsible men. Founded by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh in 2018, this day shines a light on the often-overlooked well-being of boys and their right to be heard, loved, and raised in safe, supportive environments.

In a society grappling with Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), we must confront an uncomfortable truth: we cannot hope to end GBVF without reshaping how we raise our boys. If we are to create a future free of violence and inequality, we must begin by modelling positive masculinity from early childhood.

During his State of the Province Address, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi outlined 13 pressing challenges facing the province—GBVF among them. Recognising the severity of the crisis, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has implemented bold interventions, particularly through the GDSD Men’s Forum (GDSDMF).

In response to growing community concerns, the Forum convened the Boy Child Conference in Boksburg in 2018, where participants strongly advocated for the intentional development of the boy child. This gathering gave birth to the Boy Child Network. This coalition continues to champion the needs of boys and mentors them in critical areas such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and gender equality.

Building on that momentum, the Department hosted a Boy Child Summit in 2019, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that boys are not left behind. These platforms have raised awareness and led to tangible action—most notably, a partnership with Scout SA, a national organisation now funded by GDSD to run empowerment programmes for boys.

These programmes are more than weekend activities. They provide safe spaces where boys learn responsibility, respect, and resilience—foundational traits of positive masculinity. This form of masculinity rejects dominance, embraces equality, and promotes emotional openness.

The South African Constitution calls on us to “improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.” For decades, we have justifiably focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups, especially women and girls. However, we must also acknowledge that boys carry their own burdens—often internalised and too frequently ignored.

Too many boys grow up without positive male role models. Too many are taught to equate masculinity with aggression and emotional detachment. Too many fall through the cracks of a system that assumes boys are inherently “strong” or “independent.” This social neglect not only harms boys—it also fuels the very behaviours we are trying to eliminate.

We must teach our boys that true strength lies in empathy, not suppression; that leadership means listening, not controlling; and that being a man includes vulnerability, respect, and accountability.

Commemorating the International Day of the Boy Child must go beyond social media posts and ceremonial speeches. It demands concrete action, including:

• Scaling up mentorship programmes throughout all Gauteng regions, especially in underprivileged communities;
• Integrating life skills, emotional intelligence, and gender sensitivity into school curricula;
• Involving families and fathers in rethinking how they raise their sons;
• Sustained funding and support for grassroots organisations working with boys.

The time has come to close the gap and make space for the emotional and developmental needs of boys without diminishing the rights or progress of girls.

When we raise better boys, we build safer homes. When we model better masculinity, we cultivate a more compassionate society. Gauteng is showing what is possible—but we must do more together and with urgency.

Because every child matters—and the boy child, long left behind, is no exception.