The International Day of the Boy Child is observed on May 16, every year, and one of its aims is to bring awareness to the unique challenges the boy child faces. It is not meant to diminish the importance of girls' empowerment, but rather to emphasise the need for equal focus on ensuring that all children achieve their full potential.
Gender equality is not just about empowering girls. Boys also deserve equal opportunities. However, there is an internationally recognised day specifically focused on their well-being. Today, let's explore why equal opportunity matters for everyone to thrive.
The conversation concerning children's rights has often focused on girls' empowerment. While that movement is important, it's time to acknowledge that boys are equally deserving of a fair shot.
Remember, the boy child has rights that need to be reorganised too! They deserve the chance to:
Freedom of Expression: This allows boys to explore their unique personalities, interests, and talents. They can discover passions that might not fit traditional ideas of masculinity, like music, dance, or fashion design. Boys who can express themselves freely, including their emotions, are better equipped to handle difficult situations. Bottling up emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Boys shouldn't be confined to rigid stereotypes of masculinity. They should feel free to express their emotions, explore creative pursuits, and develop their unique personalities.
Challenge Stereotypes: This allows boys to unleash their full potential. By challenging stereotypes, boys can explore a wider range of activities and interests. This can enable them to discover their passions, which they wouldn't have considered otherwise, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life. However, they deserve the freedom to break free from limitations and redefine what it means to be a man.
Thrive and Develop: Every child, regardless of gender, social class, ethnicity, or religion, has the right to a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and reach their full potential. This comprises giving them access to quality health care, education, freedom to socialise with their peers, and opportunities to explore their interests.
Pursue their careers: The boy child, just like the girl, should be encouraged to pursue any career path that interests them. They deserve equal opportunities for success based on their talents and hard work, not gender expectations. Everyone deserves to find work they find meaningful and engaging, no matter their gender. Opening career doors for boys allows them to find fulfilling careers that align with their passions and skills. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a happier life.
To be Protected: Boys deserve to be protected from abuse just as much as anyone else. Abuse and exploitation can affect any gender. The boy child needs to be safe from bullying, violence, and harmful traditional practices like child labor. It's crucial to note that children, regardless of gender, are inherently vulnerable. They lack the physical and emotional strength to defend themselves from harm. Abuse can have devastating consequences for their physical and mental well-being.
Form Healthy Relationships: Boys deserve healthy role models and support systems to build strong relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. This is because healthy relationships teach boys valuable skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. These skills are crucial for navigating all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional success (that's building emotional intelligence).
As we observe the International Day of the Boy Child, let's break the barriers that cause gender based violence or stereotypes and make sure that all children have the chance to shine.
