Let boys be heard: Amnesty International marks Boy Child Day

Abuja , Nigeria : As the world commemorates the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, Amnesty International has called for renewed efforts to create inclusive and equitable societies where boys can thrive free from harmful gender norms.

This year’s theme, “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” emphasizes the importance of nurturing boys’ emotional well-being and empowering them to express themselves without fear or stigma.

At a commemorative event in Abuja, Benedicta Ofili, Finance and Office Manager at Amnesty International Nigeria, underscored the societal pressures that boys often endure. She noted that cultural expectations frequently compel boys to suppress emotions and equate masculinity with dominance and aggression.

“In Nigeria and many other societies, boys are raised to conceal vulnerability and adopt aggression as a marker of strength,” Ofili said. “Such conditioning infringes upon their rights and hampers their emotional and personal development.”

Ofili emphasized that advocating for boys’ rights is not in conflict with gender equity efforts for girls. “Human rights are not a zero-sum game,” she stated. “Teaching boys empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence equips them to become advocates for equality. Addressing their mental health today paves the way for a more resilient and just future.”

She reaffirmed Amnesty International’s commitment to a world where all individuals, regardless of gender, can fully enjoy their rights. “We envision a future where boys are free from harmful gender stereotypes, where their voices influence policy, and where their ambitions are met with opportunity,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Helen Adah, Amnesty’s Human Rights Education Officer, introduced the Arts for Human Rights initiative—an expressive platform that encourages boys to explore and communicate their emotions through creative outlets such as visual arts and spoken word.

“Boys have emotions too,” Adah noted. “Through artistic expression, they can process and communicate these feelings in healthy ways. Art becomes a channel for their voices.”

The program aims to challenge silence and stereotypes, fostering self-awareness and helping boys engage with their rights in meaningful and creative ways.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/May 17,2025