The 4x4 Initiative engaged boys between the ages of 12 and 21 about their role in society, aiming to educate them on values, encourage them to speak up, manage conflict, and gain communication skills.

The initiative seeks to nurture boys into responsible men, with the founder, Sidney Boois, stating that it aims to uplift the spirit of ubuntu amongst men and reduce gender-based violence in the country.

"Today's event is just to talk about the issue of gentleness, what type of choice we should make to still tackle our challenges without violence, and therefore, today's event will also mark a talk show on choices, what type of choices are necessary in order to be a gentleman, in order to be a masculinity that is healthy for our community and not harmful for our community."

During the event, boys were engaged in talk shows on counselling and how to be providers and protectors of their own. 

The initiative is a hands-on and pragmatic approach to men's networks and boy-child programmes.

The Deputy Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Bernadentte Jagger, says if boys are empowered from a young age, they will be able to make Namibia a better place.

She urged men to speak out when or before they become victims of gender-based violence and be agents of change.

Parents are urged to speak to their children about life issues to shape them for a bright future.

During the same event, Boois also donated sanitary pads to two schools.