We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
We need a fundamental change of mindset with regards to the way we speak and behave about sex and sexuality. Boys and men have a particularly critical role in this regard, changing the chauvinist and demeaning ways sexuality and women were traditionally dealt with in both our actions and speaking.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the need for a shift in how society perceives and discusses sex and sexuality, particularly involving men.
Nelson Mandela highlights the urgent need for a transformation in attitudes towards sex and sexuality, urging boys and men to take responsibility for dismantling long-standing chauvinistic and derogatory views. He asserts that changing behaviors and language around these topics is crucial for fostering respect and equality, particularly for women.
Themes
MindsetChangeSexSexualityWomenMenBehavior
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on gender equality, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of male engagement in addressing sexism.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
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The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
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We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
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After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
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I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead
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