INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BOY CHILD 2025: THE MORE OUR BOYS ARE IGNORED THE MORE OUR GIRLS ARE UNSAFE
Moleboheng Matli Foundation commemorated International Day of the Boy Child in the City of Tshwane (Pretoria), Gauteng, South Africa on 16 May 2025 at Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum. MMF is a leading South African Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to education and community upliftment with inception dating back 2017.
Moleboheng Matli Foundation is rooted in distinctly African ethos while its foundational mission has been to empower girls and women through education and literacy development. The organisation also recognises that the well-being of boys is inextricably linked to the safety and dignity of all genders.
Under the powerful theme, “The more our boys are ignored, the more our girls are unsafe,” this year’s commemoration seeked to ignite critical dialogue around the emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by boys in South Africa and across the continent particularly in the context of gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and systemic neglect.
“Healing boys is not only about saving them, it’s about protecting families, communities, and generations to come,” says Moleboheng Matli, President and Executive Chairperson of MMF. “Too often, boys are raised in environments that discourage emotional expression and ignore trauma. This silence becomes the seed of violence, confusion, and unhealed generational pain.”
The Foundation asserts that sustainable social change begins with the boy child. By cultivating empathy, emotional intelligence, and support systems for boys, we collectively invest in a future where safer, more inclusive communities thrive.
The day-long programme included provocations by seasoned speakers tackling pertinent topics, participatory workshops focused on conflict resolution and emotional wellness, both being intentional towards confronting stigma and encouraging preventative care. These interventions are designed not only to respond to the vulnerabilities boys face, but to challenge toxic gender norms and promote holistic, gender-just development.
Educational and Heritage tours made some of the highlights of the day while the event culminated with a handover ceremony of “Certificates” to the young Ambassadors who demonstrated leadership and determination to become agents of change back at their schools and respective communities.
The Schools that participated includes Edward Pathudi ICT School of specialisation in Maths, Science and Technology, Hoerskool Silverton, Bokgoni Technical School, Sandown High as well as Phoenix High.
School-Crime, Gender-Based Violence, and the impact of HIV/AIDS continue to disproportionately affect boys and young men. This event was a clarion call to redirect national and continental attention towards nurturing and protecting the boy child as an essential pillar of community healing.
In the famous words of Nelson Mandela, “ A winner is a dreamer who never gives up” and Moleboheng Matli Foundation dreams of an Africa where Scars are turned into Stars for every boy and girl across spectrum.
For information on how to support our initiatives please contact:
Ms. Felicia Malebe
Public and Media Relations
Email: pr@molebohengmatlifoundation.org.za
Mobile: 078 862 6135
Website: www.molebohengmatlifoundation.org.za
