When you meet Mrs. Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf, her warmth and sense of purpose are instantly disarming. A Town Planner by profession, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and passionate advocate for the boy child, she speaks with the quiet conviction of someone who has turned empathy into action. Through her foundation, the Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation (SAF), she is changing lives, one boy at a time.

In this engaging interview, she shares what inspired her to start the foundation, the impact it has made, the challenges of championing a cause often overlooked, and what keeps her passion for service burning bright.

What inspired you to establish the foundation, and why focus on the boy child?

The inspiration behind the Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation came from a deep awareness of the growing neglect of boys in conversations around empowerment. While tremendous progress has been made in championing the girl child, which is absolutely necessary, I began to notice a widening gap. Many boys were being left behind, often without mentorship, guidance, or emotional support to navigate life’s challenges.

As a mother of lovely sons, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles boys face, issues like lack of role models, peer pressure, identity crises, and even mental health challenges. Society often tells boys to “man up” or suppress emotions, which leads to long-term psychological struggles.

That realization birthed my mission: to provide boys with mentorship, educational support, skill training, and emotional guidance so they can grow into responsible, confident, and productive men. Our goal is to build balanced communities, where both boys and girls are empowered to reach their full potential.

What impact has the foundation made so far?

It’s been both humbling and fulfilling. We’ve seen tangible results in the lives of the boys we serve. Many now have improved self-esteem and confidence; they’re learning to express themselves and make better life decisions.

Through our mentorship and awareness programmes, boys who once struggled academically are now performing better in school. Some have acquired vocational skills that give them a sense of purpose. We’ve reached students in the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and the University of Port Harcourt, among others, raising awareness on issues like drug abuse, emotional well-being, and leadership.

One of our most touching moments was helping a 10-year-old boy battling mental health challenges. We covered his medical expenses at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, and today, he’s thriving. Stories like his remind me that small acts of compassion can change lives forever.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced running the foundation, and how do you overcome them?

Funding is one major challenge. Many donors and organizations are more inclined to support the girl child, so fundraising for boys’ empowerment can be tough. I rely a lot on the support of family, friends, and associates who share the vision.

Another challenge is the societal misconception that boys don’t need help. To change that narrative, I hold monthly advocacy programs on social media and physical workshops on topics like drug abuse, skill acquisition, and emotional wellness. These platforms allow us to educate the public and give boys a voice.

Sometimes, boys, especially teenagers, are reluctant to open up. So we make our programs interactive, using sports, technology, and relatable mentors. Once they feel seen and understood, they become active participants.

Balancing multiple roles must be demanding, how do you manage your time and energy?

It takes intentional discipline. Between my professional work as a Town Planner, my business (La Dots Party City), leadership roles in Lions Clubs International, and running the foundation, I have to be strategic.

I rely on structured scheduling. I use a detailed planner and prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, categorizing them as urgent, important, delegable, or unnecessary. This helps me stay focused on what truly matters.

I also ensure I carve out personal time for rest, reflection, and family. I’ve learned that self-care is part of service, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

What advice would you give to others who want to start initiatives for boys?

Start with passion, but back it with purpose and strategy.

First, identify the core issues boys face in your community, talk to parents, teachers, and community leaders. Then, start small but stay consistent. You don’t need huge funds to make impact. Even a single mentorship session can plant a seed that grows into transformation.

Build partnerships, collaborate with schools, NGOs, and faith-based organizations. Also, engage boys in relatable ways by using sports, storytelling, and real-life role models. Most importantly, track your impact and share success stories to inspire others and attract support.

What motivates you to keep serving humanity?

Service is in my DNA. I grew up watching my parents live selflessly, my late father was always helping the less privileged, and my mother’s kindness has no bounds. I started volunteering as a young girl in Ijebu-Ode, and that spirit has never left me.

Today, my motivation comes from the joy of transforming lives. Seeing a boy regain confidence, a student stay in school, or a family smile because of our intervention fills me with gratitude. My membership in Lions International, the world’s largest service organization, has also deepened my commitment to humanitarian work.

Can you share an experience that touched your heart deeply?

One moment I’ll never forget was when Ayomide, a young boy we helped with mental health challenges, visited our office in Lagos with his father and pastor. He was radiant, full of joy and gratitude.

When we first heard of his case, he was battling severe mental distress and couldn’t afford treatment. Through SAF, we covered his diagnosis and part of his therapy at Aro Hospital. Seeing him recover and smile again was priceless.

That day reaffirmed my belief that one act of kindness can rewrite a child’s story. It wasn’t just a thank-you visit—it was a symbol of hope, healing, and purpose.

How do you stay inspired when challenges arise?

I stay grounded by reminding myself of why I started. Every success story reignites my passion. I celebrate small wins, stay connected to like-minded people in service, and constantly learn through workshops, reading, and leadership training.

I also draw strength from my faith. Prayer, gratitude, and reflection help me navigate tough times. Challenges will always come, but I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to innovate and grow.

As long as there are boys who need guidance and a society that needs balance, I will keep pushing forward, with faith, energy, and unwavering commitment.

Final thoughts?

Empowering the boy child isn’t about taking focus away from girls, it’s about achieving balance. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. When we empower boys to be kind, confident, and responsible, we build stronger families, safer communities, and a better society.

Not Just the Girl Child: How SAF Is Empowering Boys to Rise

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