Initiative aimed at development of boy child launched
Encourages healthy foundation for males in society
Inspired Horizons has set up Adolescent Boys and Young Men Support Network to equip boys with life skills for their personal development.
Director and founder of Inspired Horizon Kaene Disepo said the initiative will help the boys to develop their self-worth, identity and discuss the autonomy of their health, bringing to the fore critical issues that affect them but are not often addressed in mainstream media and other social platforms.
“We will create safe spaces for boys and young men aged 10-24 that focus on issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as issues of leadership, economic empowerment, and gender equality among others.
“Through the initiative, we will also advocate for youth-friendly services that make it easier for youth to present matters that affect them in terms of their health, future, and day-today life.”
This initiative comes on the backdrop of concerns that while there have been commendable and greater investments in the development and empowerment of the girl-child, the boy-child has been left in the cold, despite also facing a wide spectrum of personal and societal challenges.
In fact, some stakeholders believe that poor investment in the development of the boy-child is the reason that a high number of men grow up to be perpetrators, resulting in several social ills such as crime, alcohol and drug abuse, crimes of passion, and gender-based violence such as rape and defilement among others.
Kagiso Mokgosi who has a background in social work and experience in working with imbalances and gender dichotomy in society says boys should be affirmed from a young age and equipped with personal values that encourage healthy self-esteem.
There are strides made, for example, through lessons offered in guidance and counselling, but the challenge is often the way the boy child is socialised.
“We need to teach men and boys that it is fine to speak up about their concerns and worries without resorting to violence, and also encourage them to adopt healthy and positive principles and values that will have a good bearing on their quality of life.
“This should be a collaborative effort among families, teachers, community leaders, and so forth.”