Primestars aims to reduce the rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa with its What About the Boys campaign.
The campaign is entirely focused on boys and how they can make the world a better place. Prominent figures shared their ideas and experiences on the issues at hand at the discussion at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on June 30.
Managing director of Primestars, Martin Sweet, invited a few government officials to share their take on the matter as well. Guests included former deputy president Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Mayor of Johannesburg Dr Mpho Phalatse, and the Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu.
According to Sweet, the phrase ‘boys will be boys’ has single-handedly ruined society as a whole regarding gender inequality. “Men apply pressure towards themselves in being the providers and when that fails, they turn to aggression as a tool for opening up. At an early age, boys have always been told to not show their emotions, to ‘man up’ [be strong] and to fight for what they want. This is killing our society and we cannot let it continue.”
After Sweet’s powerful discussion, Phalatse addressed the audience with her stance on the matter while touching on vulnerability. “Every child should be allowed to fully express how they feel without worrying about strength. There is strength in vulnerability and it is important for the boys to know that.”
The discussion aimed at reinventing the term ‘what is a man’ with new norms that hold no pressure on boys.
Mlambo-Ngcuka said schools are crucial places where children adopt characteristics from peers and teachers that can either build or destroy them.
Ngcuka added that new norms should be created for men in various institutions. An example was given of a man asking his boss to take care of his child which encourages men to be physically and emotionally present.
Towards the end, there was a panel discussion and a screening of the What About the Boys trailer.
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