As South Africa marks International Day of the Boy Child, advocates highlight the persistent struggles young boys face due to societal norms, poverty, and violence. Despite constitutional protections, many children still view their rights as “unachievable dreams,” experts say.
Refilwe Mokoena, Child Safety and Protection Manager at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, emphasized the disproportionate impact of violence on boys, including physical harm and murder. “Harmful notions of masculinity discourage boys from seeking help, leading to unresolved trauma that often manifests as violence or self-harm,” she explained.
Joining the discussion, Dikgang Morudu, an 18-year-old student and president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, criticized societal myths that equate masculinity with dominance and emotional suppression. “Boys are told not to cry, not to show fear—this pressure harms their mental health,” he said. Morudu called for redefining masculinity to include compassion and kindness.
Both speakers stressed the need for safe spaces, mentorship, and awareness campaigns to address peer pressure and toxic stereotypes. Mokoena pointed to initiatives like the Boy Joy Summit, which empowers boys to voice their struggles, while Morudu urged society to “treat boys and girls equally” and involve boys in solutions.
The conversation underscored a silent mental health crisis among boys, urging parents, schools, and communities to foster environments where boys feel safe to express themselves. As South Africa observes Child Protection Month, the call to prioritize the boy child’s well-being grows louder.
