School dialogue promotes positive masculinity and respectful relationships with support from UNICEF

The Department of Basic Education is proud to support a vital school dialogue taking place today, which aims to teach learners about positive masculinity and how to build respectful relationships. This important event is a collaborative effort, being hosted by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with UNICEF and the Agape Youth Movement.

Key details of the school dialogue

• Event: A School Dialogue on Positive Masculinity and Respectful Relationships.
• Date: Today.
• Host organisation: The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD).
• Partners: UNICEF and the Agape Youth Movement.
• Supporting Department: The Department of Basic Education (DBE).
• Participants: Learners from schools.
• Objective: To educate young people on understanding positive masculinity and fostering healthy, respectful interactions.

Our department’s commitment to empowering learners

The Department of Basic Education understands that our role goes beyond academic learning. We are committed to developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society. Supporting initiatives like this school dialogue on positive masculinity and respectful relationships is crucial for building a safer, more equitable future for all our learners. By engaging young people in these important conversations, we aim to equip them with the social and emotional skills needed to navigate relationships respectfully and to challenge harmful gender stereotypes.

Working alongside the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF, and the Agape Youth Movement, we are actively fostering environments where learners feel empowered to express themselves, understand diverse perspectives, and champion a culture of mutual respect. This aligns perfectly with our broader goals of creating inclusive school communities and addressing societal challenges like gender-based violence. For more information on our initiatives and to see what else we are doing, please visit the official Department of Basic Education website or explore more Department activities.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is this school dialogue about?
   This school dialogue focuses on educating learners about what positive masculinity means and how to build respectful relationships with others. It encourages healthy interactions and challenges harmful stereotypes.
2. Who organised this particular event?
   The event is hosted by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with UNICEF and the Agape Youth Movement.
3. What is the Department of Basic Education‘s role in this dialogue?
   The Department of Basic Education is providing crucial support for this initiative, aligning with our commitment to holistic learner development and fostering safe, respectful school environments.
4. Why are these topics important for learners?
   These topics are vital because they help young people develop strong character, understand the importance of consent and boundaries, and equip them with the skills to prevent gender-based violence and promote equality in their daily lives.
5. Will more of these dialogues happen in other schools?
   We continuously explore opportunities to expand programmes that promote positive social values and respectful behaviour across our schools. The success of this dialogue will inform future initiatives.
6. How can schools participate in similar initiatives?
   Schools interested in hosting or participating in similar programmes are encouraged to reach out to their provincial education departments or directly to the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to learn about available resources and partnerships.
7. Where can I find more information about these programmes?
   You can find more information on the official Department of Basic Education website or the website of the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.
8. How does this dialogue help prevent gender-based violence?
   By teaching learners about positive masculinity and respectful relationships from a young age, we are addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, promoting empathy, and encouraging behaviours that reject abuse and inequality.
9. Is this dialogue for all learners, or only specific groups?
   These dialogues are designed for all learners. The aim is to create a collective understanding and shared responsibility among young people, regardless of gender, to foster a culture of respect.
10. What do “positive masculinity” and “respectful relationships” mean in this context?
    “Positive masculinity” refers to healthy expressions of manhood that are free from violence, aggression, and harmful stereotypes, focusing instead on empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. “Respectful relationships” involve treating others with dignity, understanding boundaries, practicing consent, and communicating openly and honestly.