Nelson Mandela Children celebrated International Day of the Boy Child
The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund celebrated International Day of the Boy Child with a symposium on fostering Boy Joy to nurtures a safer, more inclusive South Africa.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Boy Child, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) highlighted the necessity of fostering ‘Boy Joy’ to aid in ‘Nurturing a Nation.’
The organisation’s second annual symposium on May 15 emphasised addressing the unique challenges boys in South Africa face.
This year’s event built upon the initial 2023 theme, Nurturing Non-Violent Boys in South Africa, with the 2024 theme, Nurturing A Nation, reflecting a pivotal shift inspired by feedback from stakeholders and experts. Discussions highlighted the broader issue of violence against children and the importance of cultivating joy and well-being among boys to create a safer and more inclusive society.
The CEO of the NMCF Linda Ncube-Nkomo emphasised the critical role of nurturing boys within the context of South Africa’s deeply patriarchal society. “Boys are often socialised to believe in their superiority over girls and are taught that power and control define manhood. This mindset can lead to gender-based violence,” Ncube-Nkomo said.
The NMCF’s acting Child Safety and Protection Programme manager Anzio Jacobs, pointed out the necessity of addressing boys’ unique issues while not overshadowing the importance of focusing on girls. “The International Day of the Boy Child is a crucial opportunity to address these challenges head-on,” Jacobs said.
The symposium also celebrated children’s resilience and potential under the theme Girl Power Meets Boy Joy. Participants discussed best practices and research findings to promote non-violent behaviours and the well-being of boys.
Ncube-Nkomo further highlighted the urgency of addressing violence in South Africa. “Violence permeates our country, with alarmingly high rates of sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence. To address this situation, we must tackle the root causes of violence, including harmful gender stereotypes.”
Jacobs elaborated on the complexities of masculinity among young boys, advocating for a more inclusive and positive definition of manhood. “We need our boys to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and lead the way in dismantling stereotypes and embracing diversity.”
The ultimate aim is to nurture boys who grow up to be compassionate, respectful, and empathetic men, thereby contributing to a safer South Africa for all.
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