FORGING FUTURES: RETHINKING MASCULINITY & THE STRUGGLES OF BOYS IN AFRICA
Across Africa and beyond, boys are falling through the cracks—silently struggling in education, mental health, and economic opportunity. Yet, society still assumes they will “figure it out.” The consequences of this neglect are undeniable: rising disengagement, fractured identities, and a growing vulnerability to dangerous ideologies.
I will challenge outdated assumptions about masculinity and make the case for a bold, new vision—one where boys are not left behind but forged into purposeful, ethical leaders. We will explore the crisis of direction facing young men today, the erosion of rites of passage, and the false binary thinking that pits male development against gender equity.
Through Yazua Afrika’s pioneering interventions—FORGE and iDECIDE—we are crafting structured, scalable solutions that equip boys with resilience, purpose, and leadership. This is not just an African challenge; it is a global imperative. If we want a future of stability, collaboration, and shared progress, we must invest in the right kind of masculinity—one defined not by dominance, but by contribution.
The future is not something boys should fear—it is something they must be forged to build.
BIO:
Eric Mungai is a visionary leader in youth development and the Founder & CEO of Yazua Afrika, a pioneering organization dedicated to equipping young boys with the tools to navigate growth, development, and positive masculinity. Inspired by his own upbringing in Maringo, Nairobi, Eric embarked on a mission to empower boys with the guidance, skills, and opportunities necessary to flourish, pursue their ambitions, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
With a bold vision to cultivate a world where the vast majority of men protect, build, innovate, and contribute positively to society, Eric has designed transformative leadership programs that engage boys at different stages of development. These include:
Man_Up Adventures – An adventure-based program focusing on masculinity, identity, and character development.
FORGE – Rites of Passage – A four-month program dedicated to mentorship, resilience, and the foundational pillars of masculinity.
i-D.E.C.I.D.E. – A decision-making framework guiding young men through the impact of their choices on themselves and their communities, challenging them to lead and shape the future.
B.U.I.L.D. – A platform that encourages boys to envision and construct solutions for their generation, fostering skills that promote self-reliance, leadership, and dignity.
Through Yazua Afrika, Eric is leading a movement to inspire young people to "GROW & GO"—transforming their communities and securing the future of the continent. His work is centered on mentorship, leadership, and a redefined model of masculinity, ensuring that boys and young men develop with purpose, resilience, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Eric Mungai’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and social transformation has positioned him as a leading voice in shaping the next generation of responsible and impactful male leaders across Africa.
Email: hello@yazuaafrika.com
Relevant Links:
www.yazuaafrika.com