As the world marks the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter, has called for increased attention to the emotional and moral development of the boy child, emphasizing that balanced child development is key to building a responsible and progressive society.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the association noted that while efforts to empower the girl child have led to commendable progress, neglecting the upbringing of boys could pose long-term societal risks, including rising cases of domestic violence, toxic masculinity, and fractured family structures.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Rivers, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, stressed the need to raise boys with values that promote empathy, accountability, and mutual respect.
“NAWOJ is saying that the same attention given to the girl child should also be given to the boy child, so that when they grow, they become better husbands in society, rather than being violent and engaging in wife battering,” she said.
She further emphasized that many gender-based violence cases and broken marriages stem from the lack of emotional nurturing of boys during their formative years.
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“We must teach boys emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and mutual respect to foster healthier relationships.”
NAWOJ Rivers issued a strong call to action, urging:
Parents and guardians to foster positive masculinity by teaching boys empathy, respect, and non-violent communication.
Educational institutions to integrate gender-sensitive education, mental health awareness, and life skills into school curricula.
Government and NGOs to develop policies and programs tailored to address the unique needs of boys, including mentorship initiatives.
Media and Society to promote positive narratives that redefine masculinity and showcase men as allies in building stronger communities.
NAWOJ Rivers reaffirmed its commitment to the holistic development of all children, advocating for equal investment in both girls and boys to foster a balanced and equitable society.
