What about the Boys? programme premieres its movie in Rosebank
A movie and a series of other activities tailored to act against gender-based violence were launched in cinemas, Rosebank's Ster-Kinekor included.
Esteemed guests, stakeholders and media made their way to the Rosebank Ster-Kinekor for the launch of What about the Boys? film premiere.
The movie aspect of the programme on August 13 followed its successful launch on June 30.
The premiere was the official kick-off of the ground-breaking gender-based violence (GBV) intervention with the opening screening of the movie where learning material would be distributed as well.
This brainchild of youth development programme facilitator,Primestars, started with 10 000 Grade 9 – 12 boys from more than 100 urban, township and rural schools.
Programme MC and Primestars COO Nkosinathi Moshoana said it was important for men to be exemplary role models which younger men could learn from and be influenced by.
Managing director of Primestars Martin Sweet said What about the Boys? proposes a liberating paradigm shift which teaches boys how to inhabit masculinity responsibly.
“It is designed to engage them to share emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, stand up and speak out against bullying and inequality and break free from rigid stereotypes,” said Sweet.
Sweet noted that in a report titled Healthcare costs of GBV, the research estimated that South Africa lost over R36 billion in 2019 alone. He said the human and economic impact of GBV is too big to ignore, and more must be invested in prevention not just in response.
The film produced by Coalstove Productions, led by Wandile Molebatsi, features veterans like Dr Jerry Mofokeng and rising stars, such as Botlhale Boikanyo and Tshiamo Molobi.
The movie screening would be followed by various ongoing activities which include the distribution of a blueprint booklet made in conjunction with the film. The booklet guides boys on their behavioural change journey. Other activities are the implementation of a national mentorship movement, an accountability loop for change through a #DoBetter pledge personally signed by each boy and a digital platform that will enhance the ongoing engagement and support provided to the boys.
Key executive sponsors include Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta), Seriti, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Absa and more.
Chieta CEO Yershen Pillay said, “We need to do more and talk less. We got involved because this programme falls into the brackets that define the work that we do.” The brackets are transformation, empowerment, innovation, collaboration and digitisation.
Seriti (mining company) executive Thabo Masike said the few women who had gone into the male-dominated mining industry had reported being victimised.
“Therefore, we saw the need to get on board and do something to be able to build a nation of young men who know that we need to respect the girl child as males. We pledge to fully support our women in mining for the simple reason that they are there to be able to stand up and be supported by male counterparts.”
Smollan executive Kgomotso Sebopelo said they pledged to work with their employees to educate and give them support with regard to being a change agent in their communities.
Absa executive Thabo Mashaba said they channelled their funds to programmes that focus on the emancipation of women. They also pledged not to be silent in issues that are discussed but take part and be part of the solution.
Related articles:
Primestars teaches high school children to become job creators not seekers
