Why Boys Only?
Why TOOLKT is built just for them – and why that matters more than ever.
When we say TOOLKT is “for boys only,” some people will feel a flicker of discomfort. Gender-specific anything can feel regressive in a world still working to undo centuries of inequality. And rightly so – gender separation has historically been used to limit girls and women.
But that’s not what TOOLKT is about. In fact, it’s the opposite. TOOLKT is about building something boys genuinely need – without taking away from anyone else.
As author and policy expert Richard V. Reeves puts it:
“Gender equality is not a zero sum game. We can do more for boys and men without doing less for women and girls. We can be passionate about women’s rights, and compassionate towards the struggles of boys and men.”
It’s a quote we come back to often. Because the truth is, many boys are struggling and it shows.
They’re not able to “change gear” between Primary School and High School – and they need support tailored to them.
The Data Says It. But Most People Don’t See It.
If you ask most parents or educators which groups are struggling in school, the answer probably won’t be boys. But it should be.
Boys are:
– Less likely to finish high school.
– Less likely to go to university.
– Falling behind in literacy, organisation, and motivation.
– More likely to be suspended or disengaged from school.
– More likely to experience discipline issues.
And as Reeves points out in his conversation with economist Steven Levitt (People I (Mostly) Admire podcast), this isn’t a matter of boys being “worse” or less capable. It’s about developmental timing, different learning needs, and a mismatch between how boys learn and how school is structured.
“A 15-year-old girl is developmentally older than a 15-year-old boy,” Reeves explains.“That shows up in school readiness, in executive functioning, in how they organize their backpack or handle a deadline.”
Yet our systems are mostly designed with a “one size fits all” model – and that size isn’t always built for boys.
Boys Need Their Own Space to Learn and Grow
That’s where TOOLKT comes in.
We created TOOLKT specifically for boys aged 11–14 because that’s a critical window – where habits are formed, confidence either builds or breaks, and school either becomes a space they can own… or one they slowly drift away from.
We focus on this age group because it’s where the slide often begins. And we work in small, all-boy groups because we’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes: fewer distractions, fewer “masks,” more willingness to try, to fail, to speak up.
It’s not about boys being better. It’s about them needing something different – and not being ashamed of that.
As Reeves says in the podcast:
“We’re not trying to roll anything back. We’re not saying stop helping girls. We’re just saying – let’s also pay attention to where boys are struggling. And let’s build things that work for them.”
That’s what TOOLKT is. A space for learning that’s built for boys.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the data that shows boys need support here.
Explore TOOLKT’s approach and workshop structure here.
Listen to Richard Reeves’ full conversation with Steven Levitt here: People I (Mostly) Admire — Episode with Richard Reeves
And… if you’ve got questions – or just want to talk through whether TOOLKT is right for your boy – please get in touch. We’d love to chat.
References:
RNZ. (2022, September 21). Proportion of men in higher education hits all-time low. RNZ. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475179/proportion-of-men-in-higher-education-hits-all-time-low
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). (2024). Secondary school statistics. NZQA. https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/secondary-school-stats/2024/
Ministry of Education. (2023). School Leavers and Student Engagement 2023: Indicator Report. Education Counts. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/208396/SSEE-2023-Indicator-report.pdfPhoto by Tony Phan