The organisation is growing its ‘Talking to Boys’ programme on WhatsApp to influence how boys and men think across South Africa. This digital effort runs alongside a national plan to install Badge of Remembrance monuments in all nine provinces. 

Together, these initiatives aim to address both the root causes of violence and the urgent need for healing and remembrance.

The ‘Talking to Boys’ initiative is designed to counter toxic masculinity. Photo: Facebook/1000 Women 1 Voice

The organisation, represented by board member and ambassador Cynthia Khumalo, says it remains committed to fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The dual programmes focus on both the behavioural foundations of violence and the need for spaces that support survivors and honour victims.

Talking to Boys

According to Khumalo, the ‘Talking to Boys’ initiative is designed to counter toxic masculinity by encouraging the development of positive male identity in South African toddlers, teenagers, and adults.

The core goal of the programme is to promote non-violence, gender equality, and kindness as everyday principles. The initiative employs 200 men as facilitators nationwide and operates primarily through WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and in partnership with men’s forums and other GBV-focused organisations.

The programme aims to help young boys. Photo: Facebook/1000 Women 1 Voice

“We have realised that many boys are angry, and cultural norms often discourage them from expressing emotions, which leads to internalised trauma. 

“Combined with the burden of fatherlessness, many boys lack healthy examples of masculinity. That is why we initiated the ‘Talking to Boys’ project,” said Khumalo.

Badge of remembrance benches 

To honour women who have lost their lives to GBV, the trust has installed a physical Badge of Remembrance in Welkom. Khumalo says the broader vision is to establish similar memorials across all nine provinces.

“We are creating healing spaces across the country, safe and reflective environments where survivors of gender-based violence can find support, healing, and hope,” said Khumalo.

Businesses and organisations are invited to sponsor and support the initiatives as part of the trust’s wider mission to end GBV. The organisation urges all South Africans to stand together in a unified effort against gender-based violence.

For more information,visit their website

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh