Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
Today is International Men’s Day. This year’s theme is Celebrating Men and Boys.
The men and boys of Wales have a lot to be proud of, and we celebrate their contribution to all areas of Welsh life. They are friends, brothers, uncles, and fathers who play pivotal roles in our families, workplaces and communities.
The Welsh Government is supporting men to realise the positive changes they want to see. In North Wales, the ‘How’s Dad? Sut mae Dad?’ support group aims to create a safe, inclusive space where fathers can share experiences and receive the support they need. Bearhug uses innovative bamboo technology to produce high-quality supports designed to help anyone, regardless of age or background move and recover from injury confidently. With the support of Big Ideas Wales, Jack Blundell has created the RouteBuddies free safety app that allows users to meet in groups of three or more and walk home together. These three examples provide a snapshot of the many and varied ways in which men are driving change across all areas of Welsh society for the good of others.
However, we also recognise that men and boys continue to face many challenges and barriers in the pursuit of safe, healthy and thriving lives. Last month, I spoke at an event in the Senedd discussing the Centre for Social Justice's report, Lost Boys – State of the Nation, which sets out some of these challenges. We are working to address these through a range of actions including: ensure boys and young men understand healthy relationships; equipping them with the knowledge, skills and strategies to stay safe online; supporting men into training, employment and to learn new skills; and working to improve the physical and mental health of men and boys across Wales.
Through our families and parenting programmes, we are committed to supporting fathers. With a combination of universal and targeted initiatives, fathers are empowered to participate fully in their children’s lives and family development.
In April this year, we launched the Trailblazer pilots in Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot to provide support for those furthest from the labour market. In Blaenau Gwent, the Youth Service Gaming Project, delivered in partnership with GoConnect and the Social Gaming Network, offers both online and in-person gaming sessions for young people aged 16–25 who are currently economically inactive.
This innovative approach is specifically designed to reach individuals, particularly young men, who face social isolation and limited opportunities for interaction, often compounded by additional barriers such as neurodiversity, subcultures, and diagnosed mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. The project has already shown promising outcomes, with the young men reporting reduced anxiety, increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved social skills. Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its’ impact by offering pathways into volunteering, further education and employment.
All too often, the narrative around young men and boys is focused on negatives. Boys and young men dominate in criminal justice statistics. However, I want to highlight Dylan, winner of the Young Person award at this year’s St David Awards, who transformed his life while serving a custodial sentence, aged just 16, at HMP Young Offenders Institute Parc.
During his time at Parc, Dylan gained coaching, mentoring, communication and teamwork skills. He has also been a driving force in arranging new activities for the young people at Parc. Following his release, Dylan secured a job as a trainee rugby coach and now works with other at-risk young people in the community.
Dylan has proven that it is possible to defy the odds and turn negatives into positives when given support to thrive. However, there are so many other examples across Wales where men and boys are forging a better future, not just for themselves but also for their families, peers and wider communities.
One of these areas is tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV). Engaging men and boys as allies is fundamental to our efforts. Through the Sound campaign, men and boys learn about all aspects of VAWDASV, reflect on unhealthy and harmful behaviours and ‘Sound’ it out with other men. Aimed primarily at 18-34 year-olds through social media platforms, this targeted person-centred connection has been celebrated by White Ribbon as a valuable approach in engaging men as allies.
This autumn, a selection of our Sound Squad of men and boys will undergo White Ribbon accredited training and become White Ribbon X Sound Ambassadors. This will equip them with additional skills and tools to have positive conversations around masculinity, VAWDASV and allyship.
We are also engaging high profile and community influencers as positive role models. These include drill artist, Sage Todz, who was nominated for the 2025 Welsh Music Prize and in multiple categories at the inaugural Black Welsh Music Awards held in October. For the Sound campaign, he discussed the influence of his relationships and perceptions of masculinity on his music.
I call on all men and boys to play their part in ending VAWDASV. Become a White Ribbon Ambassador. Use your power and influence to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among your friends, colleagues and communities to promote a culture of equality and respect. I thank all men and boys that are taking a stand and making a difference.
Men and boys are leading positive change across Wales. We will continue to work, as a government, to tackle the challenges and barriers they face to help ensure they can live well, contribute to our communities, and fulfil their potential here in Wales.