The discourse around gender equality and empowerment often focuses on uplifting and empowering girls and women. While this is crucial it is equally important to pay attention to the development as well as the wellbeing of the boys (and men) too.
The boy child faces unique challenges and struggles, including; lack of positive male role models, pressure to conform to traditional gender stereotypes, and higher tendency to engage in risky behaviours such as substance abuse, violence, and delinquency, all of which need to be addressed urgently and amicably.
Here are five reasons why stakeholders need to collaborate on advocating for the development of the boy child:
- Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: There is a need to address and support the mental health needs of boys, away from the cruel ways the society socializes them over time to suppress their emotions as well as pressure them to conform to traditional masculine norms, by this, we can help create a generation of emotionally resilient and healthy men.
- Education and Career Opportunities: Boys also face barriers to accessing quality education and career opportunities. By investing in the education and skill development of boys, we can empower them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our society.
- Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Boys are often conditioned to conform to traditional gender stereotypes that dictate how they should behave, think, and express themselves. This limiting and rigid view of masculinity can restrict boys from exploring their interests, pursuing diverse career paths, and developing healthy relationships. By challenging and dismantling these gender stereotypes, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society where boys can thrive and be their authentic selves.
- Preventing Violence and Harmful Behaviours: Boys are more likely to experience and perpetrate violence, aggression, and harmful behaviours. Factors such as toxic masculinity, peer pressure, and exposure to violence in media can influence boys’ attitudes and behaviours. By promoting positive and healthy masculinity, teaching boys about consent, respect, and empathy, and providing them with the necessary support and guidance, we can prevent violence and promote peaceful and respectful interactions.
- Creating a Supportive Community: Boys need a supportive and nurturing community that values their growth, development, and well-being instead of been left to their fate. By collaborating and engaging with various stakeholders such as parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, we can create a network of support for boys.
This collaborative effort can provide boys (or concerned organizations the resources, opportunities, and mentorship they need to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Noteworthy, advocating for the development of the boy child is not about taking away from the progress made in empowering girls and women but rather about creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all genders.
It is time for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate, and invest in the well-being and development of the boy child.
We on our own part, have been consistently contributing our quota towards the growth, development and advancement of the Boy Child through THE ADAMS PROJECT AFRICA (TAPA), an initiative which aims at empowering and equipping the boy child across Africa, with the necessary knowledge and tools to grow and become a better man in the society since 2021.
For further enquiries, partnerships support and donations contact us at tapa@tafcod.org or through our social media handles.
Your ideas, skills, connections, platforms, finances and other resources are quite valuable and can be channelled towards seeing that the Boy-Child is properly groomed till he grows to become a balanced Man.
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