November 2024, Johannesburg: As South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism, a transformative narrative is gaining momentum—highlighting the critical need to heal men, the primary perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV), to break the cycle of abuse.

This shift is reinforced by findings from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which recently released its first national GBV study. The study exposes the root causes of GBV in South Africa, including mental health struggles, childhood trauma, and toxic notions of masculinity.

Craig Wilkinson, Founder and CEO of Father A Nation (FAN), explains:

“The findings are a wake-up call. If South Africa is to make meaningful progress in eradicating GBV, these root causes must be addressed with urgency and intentionality.”

Boys Aren’t Born Abusers

Since its founding in 2010, FAN—a non-profit organisation addressing GBV, fatherlessness, and crime—has championed the belief that “if we heal men, we will heal society.”

Wilkinson reinforces this idea:

“It’s simply not in a man’s DNA to harm women or children. For boys to grow into abusive men, something must go profoundly wrong during their journey to adulthood.”

The HSRC study highlights the role of childhood trauma and untreated mental health issues in shaping destructive male behaviour. Untreated trauma often manifests as violence, addiction, and even suicide. Wilkinson insists that solutions must prioritise psycho-social support, including:

• Counselling
• Mentorship
• Trauma healing
• Teaching positive masculinity

“These interventions need to be accessible and mainstream for meaningful change to occur,” Wilkinson adds.

Toxic Masculinity: A Crisis of Identity

The study also reveals how distorted views of masculinity perpetuate abuse. In the absence of positive male role models, boys often turn to peers or media, embracing aggression, dominance, and toxic notions of manhood.

The crisis of fatherlessness in South Africa exacerbates these issues. Without male mentors to model healthy masculinity, young boys are vulnerable to harmful beliefs.

Key attitudes uncovered in the study include:

• 70% of men believe a woman should obey her husband.
• 23% believe a woman cannot refuse sex with her husband.
• 15% think a husband can punish his wife for perceived wrongs.

Wilkinson asserts:

“These beliefs are not just wrong—they’re dangerous. If we don’t dismantle these myths, we cannot expect a meaningful reduction in GBV.”

FAN’s Approach to Healing

FAN’s “No Excuse for Abuse” programme aligns closely with the HSRC study findings. Wilkinson identifies four core drivers of abuse:

1. Emotional wounds
2. Distorted masculinity
3. False beliefs about women’s value
4. Emasculating circumstances

While these factors explain abusive behaviour, FAN’s approach ensures they are never used as excuses.

The Path Forward: Healing Through Accountability

The HSRC study calls for a reframed approach to ending GBV—one that demands accountability while addressing systemic drivers of abuse.

Solutions must include:

• Mental health support
• Education on healthy gender norms
• Community engagement

“Raising boys to become the fathers, brothers, and leaders they were meant to be will protect women from abuse and save our nation from violent crime, fatherlessness, and corruption,” says Wilkinson.

A Call to Action

This year’s 16 Days of Activism should serve as a rallying cry for healing. By healing men who harm, South Africa can heal the women, children, and communities they hurt. Only by addressing the root causes can the cycle of violence end, fostering a safer and more compassionate society.

Visit Father A Nation to learn more about FAN’s transformative programmes or to contribute to their impactful initiatives.

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Healing Men to Heal Society 
This #16DaysOfActivism, Father A Nation (@fatheranation) highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of #GBV. Healing men’s trauma and redefining masculinity are key to breaking the cycle of abuse. Join the movement to make South Africa safer for all. #NoExcuseForAbuse #16DaysOfActivism #FatherANation #MentalHealth #EndGBV