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Growing communities where young men and boys can thrive
"Addressing the challenges that face young men is critical for building a better tomorrow."
In Africa, young men and boys are often socialised to suppress emotions and remain silent about abuse. This culture of silence often stems from traditional norms that value family honor, avoid conversations about sexual topics, and victim-blame. This silence can lead to increased risks of mental health and behavioural issues, including anxiety or depression, death by suicide, or substance abuse.
Additionally, boys who struggle with issues like poverty, family instability, or learning difficulties are more likely to drop out of school or underperform academically.
See data on harmful gender norms from the Ugandan Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS)
Through the Him4Her project, we hosted an impactful camp session with 400 young boys in the Busoga region of Uganda. This area is affected by high rates of teenage pregnancy, and the camp underscored the importance of engaging men and boys to end teenage pregnancy.
The convening provided a critical platform for young boys to articulate their experiences, revealing poignant sentiments of neglect and exclusion from community and governmental initiatives. The participants expressed a yearning for empathetic engagement with their multifaceted struggles and holistic prevention approaches.
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"The event garnered significant support. Our UNAIDS partners designated the King of Busoga as a Goodwill Ambassador for engaging men in efforts to mitigate teenage pregnancies. The region has seen a significant drop in the rates of teenage pregnancies by creating awareness clubs in all schools around the region."
Shaping national policy to create safer communities
One of our most significant achievements is our vital role in shaping national policy. Golden Voice Foundation initiated the development of a National Health Male Engagement Strategy under the Ministry of Health Uganda, launched by the President of Uganda.
This strategy encourages boys and men to engage in the health aspects of their families, such as family planning, supporting their wives and the health needs of young girls. Engaging and educating boys and young men about sexual reproductive health, including preventing early child pregnancies and fighting sexual violence against children, has helped create safer communities.
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Under Uganda AIDS Commission, we are working on the National Adolescent Boys and Men HIV Prevention Self-Assessment Tool for the health of their female partners and as change agents. Moreover, we are supporting the development of a Sexual Education framework policy under the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development that will help us address sexual violence in schools and communities.
"Through meaningful education programs and community engagement, we are fostering safer environments for children and encouraging parents to make informed, child-centered decisions."
Implementing sustainable behavior change strategies
We train positive role models who promote positive behaviors and provide guidance and support to young men and boys. These positive role models work in schools, communities, and families, shaping youths’ values, attitudes, and behaviors.
By collaborating with the Ministry of Health to provide free health services to those who can’t afford them and engage boys in conversations around reproductive health and emotional wellbeing.
Through advocacy, mentorship, storytelling and life-skills training, Golden Voice Foundation challenges poor behavioural choices and promotes social wellbeing for young men and boys. Our work focuses on:
- Challenging harmful gender norms
- Helping young men and boys move away from violence
- Offering peer support and challenging risk-taking behaviours
- Empowering youth to participate in building an equal society
We work closely with law enforcement bodies, child protection centers, and rehabilitation centers to reach children who have been both perpetrators and victims of different forms of violence in any shape or form. We provide support to children on the streets and in underprivileged ghetto urban areas of the cities, ensuring no child is left behind. Our work addresses harmful practices and ensures children grow up empowered and create lasting change within communities.
Our greatest lesson
The most powerful lesson we have learnt is: sustainable change happens when communities are empowered to take ownership of supporting young people.
To dismantle harmful norms, a collaborative, holistic approach involving schools, families, community leaders, and organizations is needed.
Golden Voice Foundation Africa is building a future where boys are free to express themselves, seek help, and grow into compassionate, responsible men. When boys thrive, communities thrive.
"The organisation's success lies in a meaningful community engagement and education approach, which in turn increases participants’ general wellbeing."
