Accra, May 17, GNA— The Ministry of Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has called on stakeholders to invest in the emotional needs of boys and promote awareness campaigns on positive masculinity.
It said initiatives such as boy’s mentorship programmes to empower them to achieve gender equality and promote positive masculinity must also be prioritised.
On the commemoration of the International Day of the Boy-Child, the Ministry said it had the vision to create safe spaces where boys could express their feelings without judgement as well as provide emotional support for their vulnerabilities.
The Day, celebrated annually on May 16, is to recognise the rights and achievements of boys around the world, presenting an opportunity to advocate gender equality globally.
The celebration is on global theme: ‘‘Building Self-Esteem in Boys; Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” a statement issued by the Ministry, copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said.
“The Ministry joins the global community today to commemorate the Day to serve as a reminder of the unique and distinct challenges that boys face in modern societies,” it said.
The statement said gender stereotypes, toxic masculinity, mental health issues, drug addiction, high societal expectations from boys among other things had become pointers that called for urgent action from all stakeholders.
‘‘… We are committed to promoting the well-being and development of all children regardless of gender. We envision an environment where boys are encouraged to believe in themselves, empowered to speak up about their feelings, and celebrated for who they truly are,’’ it said.
The statement noted that every boy deserved the opportunity to be valued, supported and heard, and given the opportunity to thrive, urging the citizenry to invest in shaping future generations of empathetic leaders, caring fathers and responsible citizens.
The Ministry, it said, had instituted an annual mentorship programme as a support base for boys and girls, providing them with the requisite information on life skills, leadership and career development to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
It had also formed Men and Boys Clubs in communities across the regions aimed at fostering positive masculinity, personal development and social responsibility.
‘‘We wish all boys in Ghana a Happy International Day of the Boy-Child,’’ the statement added.
GNA
ABD