Politics / South Africa

Challenging Toxic Masculinity and Gender-Based Violence

Change often begins with discomfort, prompting individuals to confront issues like gender-based violence (GBV). Langa for Men, established in 2019 by Luyolo Lengisi and Sibusiso Diko, originated as a one-day campaign to raise awareness about GBV among boys and men. The initiative evolved into a full organization, gaining support from young girls and women, which underscored the community-wide impact of GBV.
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news24video • 2026-05-08T05:00:49Z
Source material: PODCAST | The Odds in Our Favour: Langa for Men helps boys cry and fight GBV
Source material
Summary
Change often begins with discomfort, prompting individuals to confront issues like gender-based violence (GBV). Langa for Men, established in 2019 by Luyolo Lengisi and Sibusiso Diko, originated as a one-day campaign to raise awareness about GBV among boys and men. The initiative evolved into a full organization, gaining support from young girls and women, which underscored the community-wide impact of GBV. The founders stress the need to redefine masculinity and hold young men accountable, asserting that meaningful social change arises from open discussions among men. Community involvement, including backing from older generations, played a crucial role in the campaign's initial success, showcasing the strength of youth activism. The evolution of Langa for Men from a one-day campaign to a formal organization was fueled by community support and the pressing need for men to engage in discussions about GBV. Local activists and unions provided essential mentorship to the founders, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for young boys to learn about GBV. The organization seeks to reframe GBV as a societal issue that impacts everyone, encouraging men to acknowledge their roles in both perpetuating and addressing violence. Creating comfortable environments for discussions about GBV is crucial, as many men may feel intimidated by traditional educational settings, which can obstruct open dialogue.
Perspectives
Analysis of the Langa for Men initiative and its approach to gender-based violence.
Supporters of Langa for Men
  • Advocate for redefining masculinity to combat gender-based violence
  • Emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for open discussions among men
Critics of the initiative
  • Question the effectiveness of dialogue alone in addressing systemic issues of gender-based violence
  • Highlight the need for broader societal support and systemic change
Neutral / Shared
  • Acknowledge the role of community support in the success of Langa for Men
  • Recognize the importance of mental health discussions in the context of masculinity
Metrics
2019
the year Langa for Men was founded
Establishing the timeline helps understand the organization's growth and impact
Lunga for Men started in 2019
21 years
the age of Luyolo Lengisi when the organization was founded
Highlights the youth involvement in addressing serious social issues
you were only 21 years old
Coliseum Foundation since 2020
partnership duration
This partnership has been crucial for resource sharing
We've been assisted by the Coliseum Foundation since 2020.
Key entities
Companies
Coliseum Foundation • Old Mutual Wealth
Countries / Locations
South Africa
Themes
#current_debate • #gender_based_violence • #langa_for_men • #mental_health • #toxic_masculinity
Key developments
Phase 1
Langa for Men is a non-profit organization founded in 2019 to address gender-based violence by empowering boys and men to rethink masculinity. The initiative began as a one-day campaign and has since evolved into a movement that fosters open discussions and accountability among young men.
  • Change often begins with discomfort, prompting individuals to confront issues like gender-based violence (GBV)
  • Langa for Men, established in 2019 by Luyolo Lengisi and Sibusiso Diko, originated as a one-day campaign to raise awareness about GBV among boys and men
  • The initiative evolved into a full organization, gaining support from young girls and women, which underscored the community-wide impact of GBV
  • The founders stress the need to redefine masculinity and hold young men accountable, asserting that meaningful social change arises from open discussions among men
  • Community involvement, including backing from older generations, played a crucial role in the campaigns initial success, showcasing the strength of youth activism
Phase 2
Langa for Men has evolved from a one-day campaign into a formal organization focused on addressing gender-based violence by empowering boys and men. The initiative emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for open discussions about masculinity and its impact on society.
  • The evolution of Langa for Men from a one-day campaign to a formal organization was fueled by community support and the pressing need for men to engage in discussions about gender-based violence (GBV)
  • Local activists and unions provided essential mentorship to the founders, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for young boys to learn about GBV
  • Sibusiso Dikos commitment to Langa for Men stemmed from witnessing its positive impact in a disadvantaged community, underscoring the necessity for young men to be involved in community development
  • The organization seeks to reframe GBV as a societal issue that impacts everyone, encouraging men to acknowledge their roles in both perpetuating and addressing violence
  • Creating comfortable environments for discussions about GBV is crucial, as many men may feel intimidated by traditional educational settings, which can obstruct open dialogue
Phase 3
Langa for Men is a non-profit organization that empowers boys and men to address gender-based violence through open discussions about masculinity. The initiative emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression and healing among young men.
  • The conversation highlights that gender-based violence (GBV) is a societal issue that impacts everyone, emphasizing the importance of male participation in discussions about it
  • Patriarchy and alcohol are recognized as major factors contributing to GBV, with many men rationalizing their behavior through these societal influences
  • Establishing safe spaces for boys and men is essential for promoting open discussions about emotions, as traditional masculinity often discourages vulnerability
  • Bonfire gatherings provide a supportive platform for men to express their feelings and experiences, facilitating emotional healing and connection
  • Participants frequently face societal pressures that inhibit emotional expression, but these gatherings help dismantle those barriers
Phase 4
Langa for Men is a non-profit organization that creates safe spaces for boys and men to discuss gender-based violence and mental health. The initiative aims to challenge traditional masculinity and promote emotional expression among young men.
  • The bonfire gatherings provide a reflective and safe environment for young men to confront personal challenges and societal expectations while expressing their emotions
  • Societal pressures often prevent men from sharing their true feelings, leading to internal struggles with mental health and a facade of strength
  • The initiative seeks to challenge traditional masculinity by promoting open discussions about mental health and personal issues that are typically stigmatized
  • These gatherings aim to foster community support and healing, particularly addressing the high suicide rates among men who lack safe spaces for emotional expression
  • There is a challenge in attracting diverse participants to these dialogues, indicating ongoing societal barriers to open communication about gender issues
Phase 5
Langa for Men is a non-profit organization that empowers boys and men to address gender-based violence through open discussions about masculinity. The initiative has built partnerships to expand support for men affected by GBV, despite lacking government backing.
  • Langa for Men actively confronts societal norms regarding emotional expression among men, particularly in relation to gender-based violence (GBV)
  • The organization facilitates dialogues with various community stakeholders, including religious leaders, to foster inclusive discussions on GBV
  • Over six years, Langa for Men has built partnerships, such as with the Coliseum Foundation, to expand support for men affected by GBV, despite the absence of government backing
  • The initiative has improved police-community relations, promoting proactive GBV prevention measures instead of merely responding to incidents
  • Langa for Men highlights the significance of community collaboration and resource sharing to create safe spaces for men to express vulnerabilities and seek assistance
Phase 6
Langa for Men is a non-profit organization focused on empowering boys and men to address gender-based violence through discussions about masculinity and mental health. The initiative has partnered with institutions like the University of Cape Town to gather data and promote open conversations about men's emotional struggles.
  • Langa for Men emphasizes the importance of mental health, addressing the struggles of young men with depression and anxiety linked to societal expectations of masculinity
  • Collaborations with institutions like the University of Cape Town have been vital in collecting data on mens mental health issues, underscoring the necessity for open conversations
  • The stigma around mens emotional expression poses a significant barrier, preventing many from seeking help and contributing to ongoing cycles of suffering
  • Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress, with individuals starting to break the silence on mental health and support each other in their healing journeys
  • Support from various sponsors has been essential for Langa for Men, enabling the organization to sustain its community efforts in the absence of government funding