Chaka Ruzvidzo — Correspondent
Today Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Day of the Boy Child running under the theme, "Nourishing the boy-child in a changing world,".
The day is significant in this country where strides are being made to empower girls so a focus on boys is equally important for a truly balanced society.
Boy child vulnerability and challenges
Statistics have shown that boys face significant vulnerabilities. If left unchecked, this may cause more harm than good as the gains of gender equality, mainstreaming and equity may be threatened as follows:
Education disparities
Boys often lag behind in educational attainment and as unearthed by the 2022 Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) report, the national literacy rate for young men aged 15-24 is lower than for young women in the same age group (ZIMSTAT, 2022 Demographic and Health Survey). Factors contributing to this disparity include early dropout rates, lack of male role models in primary education, and societal expectations that prioritise practical skills for boys over academic achievement.
Health and nutrition
Malnutrition, preventable diseases, and inadequate health-care disproportionately affect boys. A 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) study found that adolescent boys in Sub-Saharan Africa are less likely to access health-care services compared to girls (WHO, 2023 Adolescent Health in Sub-Saharan Africa). This can be attributed to cultural norms discouraging boys from seeking help for perceived "weaknesses" and a lack of targeted health-care programmes for boys' specific needs.
Violence and abuse
Boys experience physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, yet stigma often prevents them from seeking help. A 2021 report by UNICEF Zimbabwe highlights that corporal punishment remains prevalent in schools and households, disproportionately affecting boys (UNICEF Zimbabwe, 2021 The Situation of Children in Zimbabwe).
Drug and substance abuse
According to a 2019 WHO report, Zimbabwe has the highest rate of 15 to 19-year-olds engaging in heavy "episodic drinking" in Africa with approximately 70.7 percent of males and 55.5 percent of females in this age group participate in such behaviour.
This age group is also heavily involved in drug dealing and abuse. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to address substance abuse among Zimbabwean youth, particularly boys. It is also crucial to prioritise prevention, education, and support to mitigate the impact on their well-being and future prospects.
Solutions in the Zimbabwean context
To address these challenges, a home grown, culturally relevant and age appropriate plan of action to save and serve the boy child is needed to support existing efforts. It is important to adopt the following solutions:
Gender-responsive education
The nation needs to create safe spaces for boys to express themselves freely. There is also need to promote male teacher recruitment in primary schools to provide positive role models while simultaneously encouraging male involvement in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes to challenge traditional gender roles.
Enhanced health-care access
Addressing the specific health-care needs of the boy-child is crucial to Zimbabwe's path towards a balanced future. This can be achieved through comprehensive health interventions that provide boys with access to targeted nutrition programmes, mental health support and integrated medical services. Zimbabwe can empower the next generation to navigate the complexities of growing up. Integrating these initiatives into the education system and promoting overall well-being will equip boys with the tools to thrive, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society where girls and boys are empowered as allies in driving positive growth and development.
Awareness campaigns to
empower boys
Raising awareness about boys' rights and well-being is crucial to Zimbabwe's journey towards a balanced society. Community outreach programmes, media campaigns, and school curricula should amplify the voices and experiences of boys, challenging harmful stereotypes and encouraging open dialogues on the unique challenges they face.
Engaging with influential figures and incorporating these efforts into the education system will instil a culture of empathy, where boys are empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. Strategic media showcasing positive narratives can further inspire the public to champion gender equality, benefiting both girls and boys as they are celebrated for their diverse strengths and supported in their personal growth.
Embracing the challenges with resolve
Zimbabwe, under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, acknowledges the multifaceted challenges faced by the boy child.
In alignment with the NDS1 and Vision 2030, concerted efforts are being made to address these challenges head-on, ensuring that our boys are not left behind in the quest for national development and gender equality - thus leaving no-one and no place behind.
The Nhanga-Gota initiative: culturally-grounded empowerment for Zimbabwean boys
Government's Nhanga-Gota initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady, stands as a testament to its commitment to empowering the boy-child. This culturally relevant, child-friendly, and comprehensive programme aims to inculcate Zimbabwean values, traditions, and ethos, while seamlessly integrating with the Heritage-Based Curriculum. By leveraging the power of cultural practices, the Nhanga-Gota initiative creates a nurturing environment where boys can develop a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and connection to their heritage, supporting their emotional and psychological well-being.
This innovative, holistic approach ensures that boys are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also instilled with the values, skills, and perspectives necessary to become positive role models and champions of gender equality, setting an example for other nations to follow in their pursuit of a more balanced and equitable society.
Safeguarding children's futures
The recent approval of the National Policy for the Care and Protection of Children without Parental Care by the Cabinet is a prime example of its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all children in the country.
This policy establishes essential minimum standards for alternative care, ensuring that children who lack parental support are provided with the necessary resources and protection to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. As a nation, Zimbabwe is setting an inspiring example of how targeted policies and programmes can make a tangible difference in the lives of its children, paving the way for a more balanced and equitable society.
Tackling the drug abuse menace:A national priority
Recognising the growing threat of drug and substance abuse among the youth, the President's launch of the Anti-Drug Campaign and the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse signify a robust national response to this crisis.
These actions reflect our Government's proactive stance in protecting our youth from the dangers of drug abuse, aligning with the broader objectives of the NDS1 and Vision 2030 to improve the health and well-being of all Zimbabweans.
Empowering boys: a keystone for achieving Vision 2030
Empowering the boy child is not merely a matter of social justice but a strategic imperative for achieving the goals of Vision 2030.
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By investing in the education, health, and overall well-being of our boys, we are laying the foundation for a generation of men who will champion gender equality, contribute to economic development, and lead by example in the pursuit of a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Girls benefit when boys are empowered
Empowering boys also benefits girls, as it fosters equal partnerships and reduces gender-based violence. When boys are educated and aware of gender equality, they become allies in promoting equal opportunities and challenging harmful stereotypes. Furthermore, empowered boys are less likely to perpetrate violence against girls and more likely to intervene when they witness it.
By nurturing a generation of boys who champion gender equality, Zimbabwe paves the way for a more balanced society where girls and boys thrive together as mutual supporters, rather than competitors. This holistic approach to empowering both genders is crucial in realising the nation's vision of a future where true equality becomes a lived reality.
A call to action: Towards a collective effort
Government's initiatives, while pivotal, require the support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the United Nations, the African Union, SADC, NGOs, and the community at large. Together, we can amplify our efforts to protect, empower, and inspire our boys, ensuring that they grow alongside our girls as equals in a society that values and respects the contributions of all its members.
As we commemorate the World Day of the Boy Child, let us re-affirm our commitment to our national principles, goals and aspirations.
By nurturing our boys and girls with equal fervour, we are not only shaping the future leaders of Zimbabwe but also moving closer to realising our vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable nation. Let us embrace this journey with determination and unity, for the empowerment of every child is the cornerstone of Zimbabwe's bright future.
Chaka Ruzvidzo is a children's rights and gender activist who leads Men 4 Equality Trust. He wrote the article in his personal capacity.
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