A section of parents in Kwale County has urged leaders and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to focus on empowering the boy child to secure their future.
The parents expressed concern that many educational and economic opportunities have been directed toward girls, leaving boys behind.
The organisation, led by Elija Mwalimu, noted that many boys, especially in rural areas, are forced to drop out of school as early as Grade 8 due to a lack of financial support.
Mwalimu added that, as a result, most boys remain at home and take on family responsibilities at a tender age, limiting their opportunities for personal and academic growth.
“Many of our boys are at home due to a lack of educational support since NGOs and the government primarily focus on empowering girls,” Mwalimu said.
READ ALSO: Kwale parents challenged to treat boys and girls equally
He emphasised the need for equal opportunities and expressed concern that focusing solely on girls’ empowerment could lead to societal imbalanced growth.
Kipyemu Seka said boys enter Muguka and criminal activities because of a lack of empowerment.
She noted that many boys are losing hope and eventually dropping out of school, knowing they will not receive any assistance.
She said that while empowering girls is important, neglecting boys creates a dangerous gap that could lead to increased poverty, crime, and substance abuse among young men.
Delinquency
According to her, some boys end up engaging in child labor, while others fall into delinquency due to a lack of guidance and opportunities.
She urged leaders, policymakers, and organisations to develop inclusive programmes supporting boys and girls, ensuring balanced development and a more equitable society.
“What else do you expect our boys to do apart from turning to muguka and crime if they are sidelined at every opportunity? It’s time to create equal empowerment,” she said.
According to her, a balanced society can only be achieved when both genders are given equal opportunities to succeed.
Another parent, Milanoi Lemonio, said it is seeing energetic youth destroy their lives through drugs because of a lack of empowerment.
She said various government agencies and NGOs should create educational and job opportunities for all youth, ensuring that both boys and girls have equal chances to succeed.
BY Shaban Omar
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