Letter of the Day | We can’t afford to let boys remain marginalised
Published:Tuesday | May 20, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
International Day of the Boy Child is recognised annually on May 16 which focusses on boys and their well-being, their needs to feel happy, healthy, and valued within family and community. This day highlights the unique challenges and pressures faced by boys in different regions and cultures, and provides an opportunity for societies to reflect on issues such as educational disparities, mental health, and societal expectations that affect boys disproportionately. By focusing on nurturing and empowering boys with positive guidance and equitable opportunities, we aim to foster a generation that values inclusivity and equality.
In most Western societies, seeking help is viewed as a sign of weakness and, as a result, many boys suffer in silence. The society needs to dismantle this negative narrative and foster an atmosphere that reaffirms a positive and holistic development. Our boys are hurting, and there is nothing effeminate in expressing one’s emotion. This day also provides an opportunity to highlight positive male role models in society who are inspiring boys to strive for excellence. Undoubtedly, boys need strong, caring figures in their lives, men who can show them how to make responsible decisions, respect women and girls, and contribute positively to their families and nation-building. The promotion of positive male role models is very critical, especially on the International Day of the Boy Child. Unfortunately, in recent times, the society has witnessed a number of incidents in which men have manhandled women and have been abusive to women and girls.
Given that the state of affairs regarding boys is of global concern, much more should and can be done surrounding the International Day of the Boy Child. The marginalisation of boys continues unabated. The education system, for the most part, does not cater to the unique learning styles of boys and, as a result, many boys have become detached, which often manifests itself in various maladaptive behaviours. Regrettably, schools have become sites of bullying where a significant number of boys are both the victims and perpetrators. Disturbingly, boys who display school smarts are often ridiculed as effeminate by peers, and even adults in areas where academic excellence by males is typically devalued.
The society should not be surprised that our boys continue to underperform in their academic pursuits.
Masculinity refers to society’s expectations of males. In many societies, boys and men are expected to be strong, active, aggressive, tough, daring, heterosexual, emotionally inexpressive and dominant. This is enforced by socialisation, peers, popular culture and social media. On the other hand, there is toxic masculinity, which points to a particular version of masculinity that is unhealthy for the men and boys who conform to it, and harmful for those around them. Toxic masculinity is represented by qualities such as violence, dominance, emotional illiteracy, sexual entitlement, and hostility to femininity.
Let us view International Day of the Boy Child, and beyond, as a conduit to engage boys to make some meaningful inspiration in their lives.
WAYNE CAMPBELL