While Women’s Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of South African women, it also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the persisting challenges and violence they face.
As part of the What about the Boys? programme, August 12 saw many locals at the Nu Metro Cinemas at Hyde Park, ready to watch the first national screening of the film What about the Boys? which involved participants from across the country.
According to Martin Sweet, MD of youth-development specialist Primestars, the movie presents an opportunity to highlight that addressing gender-based violence requires engaging all segments of society, including men and boys.
“Empowering boys to be advocates for change not only helps protect women from violence but also cultivates a generation of men who understand the importance of gender equity and respect for all.”
He added that apart from the movie, What about the Boys?, the programme also encompasses multi-media content, including an educational booklet and online resources, as well as ongoing mentorship sessions to deeply engage boys in discussions about their identity, new norms of masculinity, and gender-based violence and its impact.
“Encouraging men and boys to become allies in the fight against gender-based violence can create a transformative change in societal norms and attitudes, ultimately leading to a safer environment for women.”
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