The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has emphasized the significance of safeguarding the well-being of the Boy Child worldwide.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, voiced the Commission’s support at the celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Boy Child, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities faced by boys globally.
Originating in 2018 as a counterpart to the International Day of the Girl Child, this day serves to shed light on overlooked issues affecting boys and promote a more inclusive approach to gender equality.
Ojukwu applauded the theme of this year, “Empowering Boys for a Brighter Future,” emphasizing the importance of fostering responsibility, compassion, and resilience among boys to positively contribute to society.
The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding children’s rights as mandated by the Nigerian constitution. He advocated for equal opportunities for boys and stressed the need to raise awareness about societal expectations and stereotypes that can hinder their well-being.
Furthermore, Ojukwu emphasizes the importance of promoting positive masculinity and creating platforms for dialogue to address issues such as violence, bullying, and discrimination that boys may encounter. He noted that while girls are often the primary victims of violence, boys also experience various forms of abuse including physical violence, sexual exploitations. However, gender norms often discourage boys from speaking out about their experiences or seeking for help. Consequently, issues of gender based violence against boys are underdeveloped and few of no support services are tailored to their needs.
He called for collaboration among stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, to address the specific needs of boys and create a more equitable and compassionate society where all individuals can thrive regardless of gender.
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