An NGO, Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative (RHBCI), says the rigid and often unrealistic expectations from male children can lead to emotional, mental, and physical harm.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Dr Babatunde Kayode said this at a news conference to mark the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, on Friday, in Abuja.
Kayode said that it could also ultimately affect boys’ ability to thrive and reach their full potential.
According to him, societal expectations and stereotypes are having a profound negative impact on the well-being and development of the boy child.
“Boys globally encounter various obstacles, including struggle with societal expectations, leading to mental health concerns.
“They also face harmful stereotypes, which can negatively impact on their well-being and development.
“They are also vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse, and most times, have limited access to quality education,” he said.
He said that the challenges affecting the boy child is often neglected by the family, society and the government, hence the increasing cases of juvenile delinquency, crime, low self-esteem, aggression and other societal ills.
He emphasised the need to also prioritise their issues, implement policies that will promote boys’ education, health and well-being.
Kayode said that the NGO was championing the importance of positive role models and mentors in shaping the lives of boys.
He said that it was part of its efforts to support the well-being and development of the boy child.
He said that by providing boys with inspiring and supportive figures, they can be empowered to grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals.
“There is a need for us to raise awareness on boys’ well-being and challenges.
“We should also promote positive role models that will encourage them and support their development, as well as create a positive environment for them to thrive,” he said.
A junior secondary school student, John Samuel urged stakeholders to educate the public, especially on the negative effects of pressure or societal expectations on the male child.
“Most times, at a young age, family members put so much pressure on the need for the male child to be successful, irrespective of the person’s intellectual ability.
“This has forced a lot of young people to go into fraudulent means like scam, robbery and others just to have money,” he said.
Another student, Favour Emmanuel stressed the need for the society, especially family members, to encourage the boy child to exhibit emotions.
“Most times, even when one is hurt and you cry, people around you will laugh and mock you rather than give listening ears to the reasons for the emotion,” he said.
The day is celebrated annually on May 16,
It is used to advocate for the well-being of male children, and the positive aspect they bring to the families and communities.
Other activities to mark the day include awareness Walk/Rally to promote support, distribution of fliers, and a lecture at Federal Government Boys College, Apo, on bullying, school-based violence, and their impact on boys’ health.
By Justina Auta
