Men Empowering Men

Tonata held a one-day Male Youth  Conference, bringing together 22 young boys from a local soccer team. The event provided a platform for open discussions on physical, emotional, and social challenges affecting young boys in their daily lives.

During the recent conference, a number of young male participants opened up about the complex challenges they face in their communities and relationships. A recurring concern was the fear of false accusations—particularly relating to rape and murder—which has made many boys hesitant to pursue romantic relationships. This anxiety has created a climate of mistrust and isolation among peers. Another serious issue raised was the inappropriate and, at times, threatening advances from older women. Some boys shared troubling experiences of being manipulated into uncomfortable situations, highlighting the often-overlooked vulnerability of young men.

Alcohol abuse also emerged as a major concern. Participants spoke about being exploited by some adults who offer alcohol as payment for labor instead of fair wages. Combined with peer pressure, this practice has contributed to increasing substance abuse among boys, undermining their health and well-being.

The discussion also shed light on the pressing issue of youth unemployment and school dropouts. Many boys leave school after Grade 10 or 11 due to limited access to further education or job opportunities. This lack of direction often leads to low self-esteem, mental health struggles, and in some cases, substance dependence or suicidal thoughts.

When addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), participants recognized it as a serious problem. However, several boys expressed that their own experiences are frequently dismissed or misunderstood. Some felt that provocative behavior from peers sometimes leads to reactive situations where boys are immediately labeled as aggressors—regardless of context or intent.

Overall, the conversations revealed a deep need for mental health support, mentorship, and more inclusive conversations around gender, safety, and respect. These young voices underscore the urgency of creating safe spaces for boys to speak up and be heard, and for communities to respond with empathy, resources, and action..

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