Empowering Men and Boys to Become Positive Agents of Change
The Men and Boys Programme, popularly known as Ringa Nami ("Walk With Me"), is a community empowerment initiative of Teenagers and Youth Health of South Africa (TYHSA) that seeks to engage men and boys in addressing the social, health, and developmental challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities. The programme recognizes that men and boys play a critical role in promoting healthy relationships, gender equality, positive masculinity, and violence-free communities.
For many years, TYHSA has worked with adolescent boys, young men, fathers, male community leaders, and other male role models through structured dialogues, awareness campaigns, workshops, community outreach activities, and mentorship programmes. The programme creates safe spaces where men and boys can openly discuss issues affecting their lives while building the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become responsible and positive contributors to society.
Why the Programme Matters
Many men and boys face challenges related to unemployment, substance abuse, mental health, peer pressure, violence, poor health-seeking behaviour, and harmful gender norms. Unfortunately, these issues often go unaddressed due to societal expectations that discourage men from seeking help or expressing their emotions.
The Men and Boys Programme provides opportunities for men and boys to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about their roles within families and communities. By promoting positive masculinity and responsible leadership, the programme contributes to healthier individuals, stronger families, and safer communities.
Our Approach
TYHSA implements the programme through community dialogues, men's forums, school engagements, awareness campaigns, workshops, sports activities, stakeholder meetings, and peer support initiatives. The programme encourages open and honest discussions on sensitive issues while fostering respect, accountability, empathy, and personal growth.
Through interactive sessions, participants are encouraged to challenge harmful stereotypes, embrace positive values, and become champions for gender equality, human rights, and community development.
Areas of Focus
Positive Masculinity
Promoting healthy and positive models of manhood that are based on respect, responsibility, accountability, and equality rather than dominance and violence.
Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention
Engaging men and boys in conversations about gender equality, healthy relationships, consent, and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence. Participants are encouraged to become advocates for safer communities and active supporters of women's and children's rights.
HIV, TB and Sexual Health
Providing education on HIV prevention, testing, treatment adherence, sexual and reproductive health, responsible sexual behaviour, and reducing stigma associated with HIV and other health conditions.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Creating safe spaces where men and boys can discuss mental health challenges, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional issues while promoting positive coping mechanisms and access to support services.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Educating participants on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse while promoting healthy lifestyle choices and responsible decision-making.
Fatherhood and Family Strengthening
Supporting men to become positive fathers, caregivers, mentors, and role models who contribute to healthy family relationships and child development.
Leadership and Community Development
Developing leadership skills among men and boys while encouraging active participation in community development initiatives and civic engagement.
Key Activities
- Men's dialogues and discussion forums
- Community awareness campaigns
- School-based engagements for boys and young men
- Gender equality workshops
- GBV prevention campaigns
- HIV and TB awareness sessions
- Mental health awareness programmes
- Leadership and mentorship activities
- Sports and recreational events
- Fatherhood support sessions
- Community outreach programmes
- Stakeholder engagement and advocacy activities
Partnerships and Collaboration
TYHSA works closely with government departments, schools, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, community structures, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders to strengthen support systems for men and boys. Through these partnerships, the programme promotes coordinated responses to health, social, and gender-related challenges affecting communities.
Impact
The Men and Boys Programme has empowered hundreds of men and boys to become positive role models, advocates for gender equality, and champions of community development. By encouraging healthy behaviours, responsible leadership, and respectful relationships, the programme contributes to reducing violence, improving health outcomes, strengthening families, and building more inclusive communities.
Our Vision
To create a generation of men and boys who are healthy, responsible, respectful, emotionally resilient, and committed to promoting gender equality, human rights, and sustainable community development.