Every Child Matters: A Note on the International Day of the Boy Child
By Benjamin GBOR
Every year on May 16, the world recognizes and celebrates the International Day of the Boy Child.
This significant day was founded in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a gender activist from Trinidad and Tobago, to draw attention to the unique challenges faced by boys across the globe.
While much progress has been made in promoting gender equality, the boy child often remains overlooked in important conversations about vulnerability, identity, and emotional development.
This year’s theme, “Boys and Mental Health: Breaking the Silence,” shines a spotlight on a growing concern—how societal expectations and cultural pressures are affecting the mental and emotional well-being of boys.
In many parts of the world, boys grow up hearing phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry.” These messages, though subtle, teach them to suppress emotion and reject vulnerability. Over time, this emotional silence can manifest in harmful ways—violence, addiction, depression, or even suicide.
In Nigeria, for instance, boys are often expected to be tough, provide for their families, and show strength at all times. While these traits are not inherently negative, they become dangerous when boys are not allowed to show weakness or seek help. Studies reveal that many young men suffer in silence, lacking access to mental health support, mentorship, or safe spaces for emotional expression.
These days, there's a strong focus on training the girl child—preparing her for marriage, teaching her how to be a good wife. But what about the boy child? Don’t we realize he’ll get married too? It almost feels like we’re raising good wives for badly raised husbands.
Society prioritizes protecting the rights of the girl child, often forgetting that the boy child has rights too.
The boy child is equally in need of care, guidance, and support. He, too, faces emotional, societal, and psychological struggles—yet he is often left to deal with them in silence.
On this International Day of the Boy Child, I urge parents, educators, and society at large to pay attention to the boy child—not in opposition to the girl child, but alongside her.
This day isn’t about shifting focus away from girls. It’s about balance. It’s about recognizing that both boys and girls face gender-based challenges that deserve equal attention.
As we reflect on this year’s observance, let’s remember: supporting the boy child means building a safer, healthier, and more balanced society for everyone. When boys are allowed to express themselves, grow without toxic expectations, and access the care they need, they become better brothers, fathers, leaders, and citizens.
Let us all remember: Every child matters. And today, we remember the boy child.
The boys are human beings too.
Happy International Day of the Boy Child to all the amazing boys out there.
