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Unhealthy ideas about boyhood and manhood are reproduced generation to generation around the world in families, schools, athletic and community programs, and in media.
The Global Boyhood Initiative is designed to break this pattern.
Why engage boys in conversations about gender equality?
Boys receive many messages about their masculinity and how they should behave, which often suggest that they need to close themselves off emotionally. This can limit boys’ development of connected relationships, reinforce sexist attitudes and behaviors, and normalize the use of violence, bullying, and harassment.
We advocate for a world where boys feel free to be their authentic selves, free from harmful masculine norms.
Our Partners
Founded by Equimundo and the Kering Foundation in 2020, GBI is coordinated by Equimundo with advisory support by a Partners’ Council composed of members from national and international civil society organizations. The Partners’ Council includes organizations that have identified the work on boyhood as a core priority, have a global or strong national reach and alignment with Equimundo and the GBI principles, and can help elevate the voice of boys themselves, while also advising GBI on its strategic directions.
We want to support boys to…
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Accept and connect with others
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Stand up and speak out against bullying and inequality
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Break free from stereotypes
We believe boys will be...
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Connected
Yet harmful, restrictive norms related to manhood often keep boys from having close relationships.
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Fully human
We don't believe boys are walking problems – we view boys from a positive perspective.
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Good friends
Boys must have deep friendships with those who support them to be themselves.
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Allies
Boys can be active bystanders by speaking out when they see other boys (and girls) cause harm.
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Respectful in relationships
We must model and teach healthy, intimate relationships and healthy sexuality for all children.
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Caring
Care is a part of all of our lives, and we must help boys internalize this from a young age.
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Healthy
We must help boys think critically about positive aspirations of masculinity versus harmful ideas about being a man.
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Emotionally literate
We must help boys understand their own emotions, how they react to them, and how to seek help when they need it.
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Critical media consumers
Media aimed at boys, including TV, video games, and pornography, often contains harmful gender norms.
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Free to be themselves – in all their diversity
We must free boys and ourselves to break out of homophobic, transphobic, and heteronormative ideas.
The Global Boyhood Initiative’s Impact Across The World
Co-founders
Co-founded in 2020 by Equimundo and the Kering Foundation, we aim to support boys aged 4 to 13 and the adults in their lives with the resources they need to raise, teach and set an example for boys to become men who embrace healthy masculinity and gender equality.
Want to know more?
Stay in touch for more resources and tools coming soon from The Global Boyhood Initiative.
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