Craig Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Father A Nation, believes that no boy is born an abuser; something goes wrong on the journey from boy to man and that’s what must be fixed.
Image: Facebook/Father A Nation
As South Africa observes Human Rights Day on Saturday, March 21, a call to action has emerged from Father A Nation, a non-profit company dedicated to addressing the alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and fatherlessness across the nation.
On this important day of reflection, they emphasise that fostering positive masculinity is critical to dismantling the roots of GBV, violent crime, and the increasing prevalence of child-headed households in South Africa.
Despite having one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, South Africa faces disturbing statistics. Reports indicate soaring rates of rape and GBV, with children particularly vulnerable to violent crimes. This stands in stark contrast to the ideals of democracy that have been promoted since the end of apartheid three decades ago.
Craig Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Father A Nation, said no boy is born an abuser; something goes wrong on the journey from boy to man and that’s what needs to be fixed.
This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that the path to healthy manhood must be modelled and actively taught to break the cycle of violence that perpetuates itself through generations.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights,” is a call for industry leaders, government officials, and civil society to champion the cause of positive masculinity as a powerful means of addressing the social problems that undermine the rights of women and children across South Africa.
“Good men use political power to serve their constituency; economic power to serve their families, loved ones and society; corporate power to serve staff, customers, and shareholders; and their physical power to protect,” Wilkinson said.
Father A Nation posits that boys raised with positive and present father figures are much less likely to engage in violent behaviours.
Empowering men to become empathetic and engaged fathers not only guards women's rights but also fosters an environment where children's rights are upheld, resulting in healthier families.
Statistics from Stats SA paint a worrying picture, indicating that a staggering 84.4% of children are not raised by both biological parents, with fewer than four in ten living with their fathers. “Present and positively engaged fathers naturally protect their children’s rights as stipulated in South Africa’s constitution, including the right to family or parental care,” Wilkinson explained.
Research underscores the profound impact of fatherlessness on social dysfunction in communities globally. Young individuals growing up without fathers face increased risks of substance abuse, early promiscuity, teenage pregnancies, and involvement in crime, issues that directly correlate with social pathology and dysfunction.
For over 13 years, Father A Nation has inspired boys and men with the principles of positive masculinity, reaching more than 300,000 men through its impactful programme. Their mission is to eradicate all forms of abuse and to raise a generation of men committed to building a safe and prosperous South Africa.
“The power of positive masculinity will not only break the cycle of violence but also create a society where every individual’s rights are upheld and protected. As we reflect on three decades of advocating for human rights, let us embrace positive masculinity as a cornerstone for building stronger, more equitable communities, where every person can flourish and live with dignity and safety," Wilkinson concluded.
To learn more about the initiative, visit www.fatheranation.co.za.
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