Written by: Lynette Botha

In a world where gender-based violence (GBV) continues to plague societies, initiatives like ‘What About The Boys?’ are essential in addressing the root causes of this pressing issue. As a leading men’s fashion retailer, we recognise the urgency of the situation and have joined hands with ‘What About The Boys?’ to make a significant impact. This collaboration aims not only to raise funds but also to promote a positive shift in masculinity and challenge harmful stereotypes.

So, what is ‘What About The Boys?’

‘What About The Boys?’ is a national movement with a mission to combat gender-based violence by focusing on helping boys redefine masculinity and dismantling societal stereotypes. The initiative recognises that the fight against GBV must begin at an early age to create lasting change. To achieve this, ‘What About The Boys?’ empowers boys with the following principles:

1. Sharing emotions in a healthy way
   Encouraging boys to express their feelings openly and constructively, challenging the notion that “boys don’t cry.”
2. Standing up to bullying and inequality
   Instilling a sense of responsibility in boys to confront bullying and inequality, fostering a culture of respect and empathy.
3. Accepting and connecting with others
   Promoting inclusivity and acceptance of diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.
4. Breaking free from stereotypes
   Addressing toxic stereotypes that perpetuate harmful ideas such as ‘Women are weak’ or ‘Don’t be like a gay man,’ promoting individuality and authenticity.

To drive home these values, ‘What About The Boys?’ conducts national screenings of an educational film aimed at raising awareness about GBV. These screenings target Grade 8-12 learners across South Africa, where the conversation about gender stereotypes and emotional development is critical. Following each screening, ongoing mentorship dialogues challenge gender stereotypes, providing boys with the tools to grow into responsible, empathetic young men. Each boy also commits to a #DoBetter pledge, a personal commitment to be a part of the solution.

The post The What About The Boys? x Markham Initiative appeared first on Markham Blog.

Written by: Shaazia Ebrahim

Gents, being stylish is not only reserved for your get-up. Your living space is an extension of you, no matter how large or compact it is. If you find yourself living in a cosy abode, with dololo inspiration, fear not… we know that every square inch counts, which is why we’ve rounded up creative solutions tailored specifically for a modern lifestyle!

The post Maximising style in small spaces appeared first on Markham Blog.

Written by: Alexander Brand

Black Friday is here, and plenty of online deals await. Discover how to navigate the frenzy, make the most of discounts, and keep your budget intact.

Plan your spending

Before you embark on your online shopping adventure, take a moment to set a budget. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s your secret weapon to make wise decisions and ensure your purchases align with your true needs. By defining your spending limit, you’ll maximise the value of your money. So, before you start adding items to your virtual cart, pause and calculate how much you’re ready to invest in elevating your fashion game.

The post How to survive Black Friday appeared first on Markham Blog.

Written by: Robert Sam-Kputu

Intro:

It’s almost time to bid farewell to 2024, a challenging year for many. As we recover from the toll of Covid and deal with all the other catastrophic events of a world in flux, things can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is why prioritising your mental health is key!

In South Africa, as in many parts of the world, there still seems to exist a stigma around discussing mental health, particularly among men. Society often imposes expectations on men to be strong, resilient, and unemotional, which can lead to an unwillingness to seek help when you’re struggling emotionally – which can have devastating consequences.

The post How to take care of your mental wellbeing appeared first on Markham Blog.

Written by: Lynette Botha

In a world where gender-based violence (GBV) continues to plague societies, initiatives like ‘What About The Boys?’ are essential in addressing the root causes of this pressing issue. As a leading men’s fashion retailer, we recognise the urgency of the situation and have joined hands with ‘What About The Boys?’ to make a significant impact. This collaboration aims not only to raise funds but also to promote a positive shift in masculinity and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The post Introducing our ‘What About The Boys?’ initiative appeared first on Markham Blog.

In search of a signature scent? Right this way… we have just the guide for you!

Written by Robert Sam-Kputu | Pexels

Many things go into making a good impression. Aside from looking the part and presenting yourself well, the scent you give off can make or break a situation. Having your own signature fragrance can leave a lasting impression on those around you – it’s as important as your style and it can play a part in how people perceive you.

Not only does it make you more distinctive, but how you smell can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive too. With so many options available, we have some pointers of what to consider when seeking out your signature scent.

The post How to find your ideal fragrance appeared first on Markham Blog.

Whether you’re returning to the office or continuing to work remotely, these tips can help you ease back into work the right way.

Written by Cher Petersen

As the holiday season comes to an end it can be challenging to get back into the swing of things at work…. If you’re finding it tough to transition, these tips may help!

The post The office edit appeared first on Markham Blog.

The wrong tie worn at the wrong time or place, or knotted incorrectly, may be as disastrous to your ensemble as an ill-fitting jacket.

Written by Alexander Brand

Not all ties – or knots – were created equally; when the occasion calls for you to smarten up, whether for work or play, use this guide to help you style your tie the right way.

Length matters

Long or short, the tip of your tie should rest neatly at your natural waistline. The exception to this rule is if you’re rocking a short suit, then, by all means, loosen the knot and let the tie hang just above your belly button.

The post Time for ties appeared first on Markham Blog.

Soap and water just won’t cut it – it’s time to step up your skincare regimen.

Written by Cher Petersen

As your body’s largest organ, your skin deserves some daily love and prioritising, wouldn’t you say? Here’s our guide to looking after the skin you’re in – every day.

Kickstart with a cleanse

It all begins here. Starting and finishing the day with a fresh face is vital. Washing your face at the end of the day reduces the chance of dirt and pollution soaking into your pores overnight, so use a mild foaming or gel cleanser before bed to clear your skin of surface oils and dirt built up during the day.

In the morning, a quick cleanse and rinse off will awaken and revitalise your skin, prepping it for the products that follow. Be careful of over washing – you don’t want to strip your skin of its necessary natural oils.

The post Your ultimate skincare guide appeared first on Markham Blog.

Everything you need to turn a house party into a night to remember.

Written by Tshiamo Seape

There’s nothing quite like a house party. Hosting an intimate function with the homies is unmatched – no lines to get in, no cover charge, the best guest list and having full control of the playlist are just a few of plenty reasons why partying at home is the M.O. of many during the holiday season.

With that being said, it’s important to be prepared. Just because it’s a party for your friends, it doesn’t mean you can’t put on a good show. We share a few tips and tricks to help you become the host with the most this summer.

Hit the beat

Nothing sets the mood like a great playlist. Have music playing on arrival so that people feel like they’ve entered an energetic and upbeat event – even if it’s a super casual get together you want your guests to feel like they are in for a good time.

The post The perfect home bar appeared first on Markham Blog.