Working with youth to combat gender inequality and stereotypes

HECAREZA SECTORAL PARTNER PROGRAMMES

Turning Soccer Teams into Digital Change-Makers

The HeCareZA programme is all about breaking the cycle of violence by giving men the tools to have real, meaningful conversations with their peers. We know that real change starts when men step up and tackle issues like gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful gender norms and stereotypes head-on. That’s why we recruit allies—guys who want to make a difference—and give them everything they need to start those tough conversations while also creating a supportive space for them. And to make an even bigger impact, we team up with local partners across different communities. Through our grassroots workshops, we connect with young people, especially soccer teams, to talk about GBV, digital literacy, and why gender equality matters. These boys are encouraged to open up about these important topics, helping them grow into adults who understand and stand up for gender equality and respect for women.

Why Soccer Teams?

We’ve chosen soccer teams as our main partners because they’re a big deal in their communities and have a lot of influence. Soccer teams represent teamwork, discipline, and leadership—all qualities that resonate with young guys. By giving these athletes digital skills and a solid understanding of GBV, we can use their visibility and respect to push for positive change. Soccer players aren’t just athletes; they’re role models. When they speak up for gender equality and respectful behaviour, people listen.

By training soccer players on these key issues, they can use both social media and their real-life influence to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and promote a culture of respect. Their involvement makes the message easier to grasp, encouraging their followers to get involved in the conversation and take action. And because these players are trained face-to-face, their advocacy is genuine, relatable, and powerful.

Getting Communities Talking

Right now, we’re working with two soccer teams and various communities to tackle GBV through discussions on topics like fatherhood and men’s mental health. These conversations are all about getting men and boys involved in reducing GBV by challenging harmful gender norms that are deeply rooted in society. For example, we encourage talks that question old-school beliefs, like the idea that men shouldn’t show vulnerability or that women are the only ones responsible for childcare. By challenging these outdated norms, we can create a more fair and respectful future for everyone.

The Impact of Face-to-Face Training

Our in-person training sessions with soccer players are designed to spark real conversations. These guys aren’t just learning about the issues—they’re becoming advocates who can share their insights and experiences in a real, heartfelt way, both online and offline. This approach boosts their credibility and creates opportunities for content creation, helping them spread their message through social media.

By joining these training sessions, soccer players get the tools they need to craft meaningful and impactful messages, inspiring others to join the movement. Their involvement helps build a supportive community, both online and offline, as they work together on social media campaigns, support each other’s posts, and create content that raises awareness about GBV and related issues.

What We Talk About

Our workshops cover a bunch of important topics, including:

• Fatherhood
• Men’s Mental Health
• Relationships with Fathers
• Promoting Gender Equality
• Cultural and Social Norms
• Types of GBV and Their Impact
• Breaking Stereotypes

Through these discussions, we aim to give young men the knowledge and skills they need to challenge harmful norms and help build a fairer and more equal society. By partnering with soccer teams like the Molweni Warriors and the Izinyoni in KwaZulu-Natal, along with other community groups, the HeCareZA network is making real progress toward a future where gender-based violence is no longer a normal part of our culture.

Interested in getting involved with our sectoral engagement partnerships? CONTACT US