As the world works tirelessly to empower the girl child and address the historical injustices that have long marginalised girls, the boy child is left lagging.
To ensure the boy child does not fall by the wayside, the Quiver Tree Cluster, a group of six secondary schools in the Kalahari circuit, began the Boys Club Introductory Programme at Suiderlig High School.
Programme coordinator Andrea Robert said the inspiration behind this initiative stemmed from the stark contrast between the progress made in empowering the girl child, and the widening gap in support for boys.
“It became clear that young boys often lacked the mentorship and guidance necessary to confront their unique challenges. Therefore, we established the Boys Club as a safe space where they come together to learn and redefine what it means to be a responsible man in today’s world,” said Robert.
He added that the mission is deeply personal to him, as it is disheartening to see the real men in leadership becoming extinct.
Hence, the urgent need to revive manhood was evident.
They address vital topics such as personal identity, biblical manhood, leadership, emotional intelligence and career guidance.
“We aim to create an engaging environment, ensuring that discussions are not merely lectures, but interactive exchanges that foster a sense of community among the boys.
Many grapple with the absence of positive male role models, peer pressures leading to substance abuse, and societal expectations that stifle emotional expression. By offering this programme, we aim to provide mentorship and practical tools that empower boys to make informed choices as they navigate their paths,” he stated.
Chief community liaison officer Salmi Mwapopi at the //Kharas Regional Council Division acknowledged that men and boys have an important role to play in achieving gender equality.
“Establishing the boys club in schools has a potential impact on the boy child. These clubs will create platforms for men’s and boys’ engagement to raise awareness on legal frameworks meant to restrain gender-based violence, as well as helping boys to overcome peer pressure and encourage them to adopt improved health-seeking behaviour,” she said.
The //Kharas Regional Council Division: Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare is mandated to ensure gender equality, equity and empowerment of women, men, boys and girls by strengthening coordination mechanisms and monitoring the implementation of the National Gender Policy among stakeholders to achieve gender equality and empower both female and male persons in the community.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na