Stakeholders in Abuja have advocated actions to address the needs of the boy-child, and to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and insecurity in the country.
They made the call in separate interviews on Thursday, in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Boy-Child with the theme “Boy’s Health and Well-Being.”
The day, officially adopted by the United Nations in 2018 to highlight issues and challenges affecting the boy-child, is annually celebrated on May 16.
The Founder and CEO of Hope for Second Chance (HOSEC) foundation, Ibukunoluwa Otesile, stressed the need to stop stereotypes against the boy-child and focus on improving their health and well-being.
She said “there is no doubt that for a long time, the girl child has been suppressed, discriminated against and abused, but we are gradually moving to that point where the boy-child is also being
neglected.
“It is important that we change the narratives and ensure our campaigns and advocacies did not leave anyone behind.
“Let us be intentional about how we raise our boys, let us stop lowering the standards for them. They experience abuse too, so we must give attention to who they are with and what they are doing.
“This will help to break the cycle of abuse and GBV, we must ensure that we protect the most vulnerable children too.”
A Gender Advocate, Ms Ene Oshaba, said focusing on the boy-child would reduce the impact of negative vices, especially in reducing GBV cases.
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She added that “it is important to empower the boy-child with love, education and opportunities to grow into kind, responsible and confident man.
“All children are important, we only need to direct them to the right path, especially in ending GBV, insecurity, among others.”
Also, the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ),Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, FCT chapter, stressed the need to stop all forms of discrimination against the boy-child and be allowed to develop to his full potential.
Ita-Ikpang urged the media to continue to advocate for the rights and protection of every child.
She reiterated the commitment of women journalists to continue to amplify the voices of women, children and the vulnerable groups to bring about the necessary change needed to move the nation forward.
NAN
