​As South Africa prepares to observe the International Day of the Boy Child on16 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 notion about the well-being of boys and their right to be heard, to be loved, and to thrive 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 need to begin with how we model positive masculinity from childhood.

 
During his State of the Province address, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi outlined 13 pressing challenges facing the province, with GBVF rightly included among them. Recognising the gravity of this crisis, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has stepped up with bold interventions, especially through the Men’s Forum (GDSDMF).

 
Responding to mounting calls from communities, the Forum convened a Boy Child Conference in Boksburg in 2018, where participants passionately advocated for the intentional development of the boy child. This gathering gave birth to a Boy Child Network, a coalition that continues to champion the interests of boys and mentors them in critical areas of life, such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and gender equality.

 
Building on the momentum, the Department hosted a Boy Child Summit in 2019, solidifying the commitment to ensure that boys are not left behind. These platforms have not only raised awareness but also initiated tangible actions, one of the most impactful being a partnership with Scout SA, a national organisation that now implements empowerment programmes for boys, funded by GDSD.

 
The programmes are more than just weekend activities. They are safe spaces where boys learn responsibility, respect, and resilience. These are the foundational traits of positive masculinity, the kind that rejects dominance, embraces equality, and fosters emotional openness.


South Africa’s Constitution calls on us to "improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person." For decades, we have rightly focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups, especially women and girls. However, in the process, we must acknowledge that boys, too ,carry their own burdens, often internalised and frequently ignored.

 
Too many boys grow up without positive male role models. Too many equate masculinity with aggression and emotional detachment. Too many fall through the cracks of a system that still assumes boys are inherently" strong" or "independent". This social neglect harms not only boys but also breeds the very behaviours we’re trying to root out. We must teach our boys that strength lies in empathy, not in suppression; that leadership means listening, not controlling; and that being a man includes being vulnerable, respectful, and accountable.


Marking the International Day of the Boy Child must go beyond social media campaigns and ceremonial speeches. It calls for:
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 grass roots organisations working with boys.

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