In the 19th-century, many societies in Africa, the male child held the most prestigious and important position. He was seen as the pioneer of lineage, leadership, and wealth was passed down to them. The boy child was nurtured and groomed for community roles, while the girl was largely considered for marriage and bride-wealth. Contrary to the boys, their upbringing focused more on preparing them for domestic life in other communities far from home.
However, the situation seems to be changing over time. In today’s world, there is a marked turn in focus towards the empowerment of the girl child. Rightfully so, given the historical disadvantages she faced. In the course of time, women and girls have made significant advancement in fighting for their rights, gaining space in important sectors such as education, leadership, and economic participation. A good number of organizations and movements have been mobilized for girls’ empowerment, amplifying their voices in society.
As such, the boy child seems to have been left behind. In contemporary Kenya, it is increasingly rare to find initiatives that focus specifically on the boy child. On a scale of 1 to 10, the availability of programs and policies dedicated to boys’ development and protection would average at just 2 or 3. While efforts to empower girls continue to grow, boys are often expected to ‘be strong, ’tough it out,’ or conform to outdated masculine ideals that suppress emotional expression and vulnerability.
Consequently, this level of neglect has far-reached. Boys are facing a rising rate of school dropouts, substance abuse is on the peak, mental health struggles, homelessness and exposure to violence. Their challenges are often overlooked and bundled into the broader youth programs that fail to highlight the uniqueness of their experiences. In rural communities such as Kagan in Rangwe, the situation is even more alarming with little targeted interventions.
Research shows that children of all genders are affected by abuse. Data based from the National Children’s Alliance, highlights that girls have a higher reported victimization rate which stands at 8.2 per 1,000 compared to boys at 7.1 per 1,000. Nevertheless, these figures may not tell the whole story. Male victims often face a heavier burden of stigma and underreporting, this makes it difficult to document the true scale of abuse. Many suffer in silence as they lack a safer space to address their issues or seek help.
Recent global data further affirms the need for alertness. According to a 2024 UNICEF report, it is estimated that between 240 to 310 million boys and men worldwide have been exposed to sexual abuse during childhood. These numbers, though not crystal, are still likely under representative due to societal denial and a lack of dedicated resources the males who survived. Kenya for example, with limited data, helplines; 1195 toll-free service, have become crucial in supporting survivors, including boys, and providing data for informed interventions.
The long-term effects of child abuse can be devastating; whether physical, emotional, or sexual. Boys often face lifelong psychological and social issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to difficulty forming relationships or maintaining stable livelihoods, if abuse and trauma was never disclosed.
This is a growing crisis that calls for a more inclusive yet balanced approach to child protection and development. Empowering the girl child must not come at the expense of ignoring the boy child. Policies must be put in place, support systems and programs that give boys a voice, substantiate their struggles while nurture their potential.
In the fight for equality and justice, leaving any child behind; boy or girl, is not progress. It’s a new kind of neglect.
