In recent years, global and national discourse has rightly intensified around the protection and empowerment of the girl child. This has led to commendable progress in addressing gender-based violence, improving access to education for girls, and strengthening legal protections for women.
However, in the midst of these important efforts, an equally critical issue has received far less attention—the welfare and protection of the boy child.
It is essential to emphasise that both the boy child and the girl child are equal in dignity and worth. Any imbalance in care, protection, and support ultimately undermines the broader goal of achieving a just and equitable society.
While the girl child continues to face serious challenges that must never be ignored, there is growing evidence that the boy child is increasingly becoming vulnerable in ways that are often overlooked or dismissed.
Across many communities, boys are raised under societal expectations that discourage emotional expression. From a young age, they are taught to “be strong,” “man up,” and suppress their feelings. This cultural conditioning creates men who suffer in silence, unable or unwilling to seek help even when they face emotional, psychological, or physical abuse. As a result, many men endure deep pain within their homes and communities without recognition or support.
A particularly concerning issue is the underreporting of abuse against men. While cases of violence against women are rightly taken seriously and often receive swift attention from law enforcement and the media, similar cases involving male victims rarely receive the same urgency. Men who experience domestic abuse—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—often fear ridicule, disbelief, or even humiliation if they come forward.
This creates a dangerous environment where abuse is normalised and hidden.
Even more troubling are reports indicating that some men experience sexual abuse, including rape, yet these cases are rarely acknowledged or taken seriously.
Societal stereotypes about masculinity contribute to the perception that men cannot be victims, further discouraging reporting and denying justice to those affected. This double standard not only perpetuates injustice, but also deepens the trauma experienced by male victims.
The consequences of neglecting the boy child and men’s welfare are far-reaching. Research and social observations increasingly link unresolved emotional distress among men to rising cases of substance abuse, depression, and suicide.
Many men, unable to cope with internalised pain, turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of escape. Others tragically reach a point of hopelessness, leading to suicidal behaviour. The growing number of male suicide cases is a stark reminder that this issue demands urgent attention.
Despite these challenges, there are emerging efforts aimed at addressing the needs of men and boys. One such initiative is Men's Ego Safe Haven, an organisation that has taken a proactive role in creating safe spaces for men across the country.
In fact, by engaging directly with men in communities, the organisation encourages open dialogue, emotional expression, and mutual support. It provides a platform where men can share their experiences without fear of judgement, thereby breaking the culture of silence that has long defined male suffering.
The work being done by such organisations is both timely and necessary. However, these efforts require greater recognition and support from government institutions, civil society, and the broader public. Just as significant resources have been mobilised to protect and empower the girl child, similar commitment must be extended to initiatives that focus on the boy child and men’s well-being.
Addressing this issue does not mean diverting attention from the challenges faced by women and girls. Rather, it calls for a balanced and inclusive approach that recognises the vulnerabilities of all individuals, regardless of gender. True equality lies not in prioritising one group over another, but in ensuring that every person has access to protection, justice, and support.
To move forward, several steps are necessary. Firstly, there is a need for more comprehensive research on issues affecting men and boys. Reliable data will help inform policies and interventions that are responsive to their needs. Secondly, public awareness campaigns should challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity and promote a culture where men feel safe to express vulnerability.
Thirdly, legal and institutional frameworks must be strengthened to ensure that cases involving male victims are treated with the same seriousness and urgency as those involving female victims.
Furthermore, community leaders, educators, and policymakers must play an active role in reshaping societal attitudes. Families, in particular, must also nurture both boys and girls with equal care, teaching them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
For that reason, fostering empathy and understanding from an early age, society can raise a generation that values emotional well-being and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the welfare of the boy child is not a secondary issue, but a fundamental component of building a balanced and harmonious society.
Ignoring the struggles of men does not strengthen communities; it weakens them. In this case, acknowledging their challenges, supporting relevant organisations, and promoting equality in its truest sense, we can ensure that both men and women thrive together.
The time has come to break the silence. The boy child matters. And his voice deserves to be heard.
*Clever Marisa (Prof) is a social scientist and public health practitioner. The views expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of his affiliated institution or any organisation.