By Hastings Yobe & Gomezgani Msiska

Mana, Lilongwe, January 6: Malawi’s efforts to empower girls and women have been remarkable, but in the process, the boy child has been left behind. The consequences are alarming.

According to recent statistics from the Malawi Police Service, the first half of 2024 recorded 281 suicide cases representing a 27.7 percent increase from the previous year. Males accounted for 87.5% of these cases, with 246 reported incidents.

This disturbing trend is a wake-up call for Malawi. Isabel Pike’s 2019 study in Kenya highlights the threat to the future of the boy child.

“Too much attention has been paid to the girl child leaving the boy child completely ignored,” the report reads.

This neglect has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the boys but also their families and communities.

For young men like Gift Banda, a student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, the struggle is real.

“I have never seen any bursary for boys,” he says, his voice laced with frustration.

“If they cannot support us all, at least they should support those boys who are brilliant and from marginalized families,” he adds.

 Gift’s story is not unique; many boys in Malawi face similar challenges, their potential hindered by lack of opportunities.

The societal expectations placed on boys exacerbate the problem.

Kelvin Chirwa, a student at the University of Malawi, explains: “Systems are there to help men, but they are not adequate. Men are suffering in silence because the society expects them to persevere.”

This toxic masculinity stifles boys’ emotional expression, leading to devastating consequences.

Redson Kandozi, a student at the University of Livingstonia, believes that counselling should start from primary school to help boys with mental health issues.

“This makes it hard for men to get help, but I think if we start counselling from schools, then we can help more men with mental health issues,” he says.

By addressing these issues early, Malawi can prevent the alarming rise in suicide cases.

Communications Director for Centre for Social Equity (CSE), Beston M’betewa, says that nearly one million boys are facing different forms of violence at the hands of teachers and their peers, especially girls.

“Many boys or men fail to report violence because of their gender roles and the fear of being looked at as weak in their communities,” M’betewa said.

The neglect of the boy child is not only a Malawian problem but also a global concern. The African Union (AU) recognizes the need to promote the boy child alongside girls.

Writing on its website after a conference on matters of gender equality held in Ethiopia, the continental body agreed that both men and women are victims, survivors as well as perpetrators of violence.

“Why do we only focus on females as the only victims of gender based violence? Why is there such a stereotype towards men?”writes AU.

Paramount Chief Gomani V of Ntcheu emphasizes, “It is important for us, as traditional leaders, to lead in the fight against gender-based violence and to remind people that our communities have both males and females.”

As Memory Banda, an activist and founder of the Foundation for Girls Leadership, aptly puts it, “To have a peaceful co-existence and end gender wars, we must groom both girls and boys in the same measure of opportunities and respect to their rights.”

Witness Chawinga, a CorpsAfrica volunteer, highlights the importance of supporting both girls’ and boys’ education.

 “Supporting boys’ education is crucial for achieving youth empowerment, and it should not be neglected in favor of solely focusing on girls’ education,” she said.

Ministry of Education reports a 7.3 percent decrease in the number of boys writing Junion Certificate of Education (JCE) examination, compared to a 6 percent decrease in girls. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that boys are being left behind in education.

By acknowledging the neglect of the boy child and working towards a more balanced approach to empowerment, Malawi can create a brighter future for all its children.

As the 16 days of activism against gender based violence just passed in December, the call to action is clear. It is time to recognize the struggles of the boy child and work towards a more equitable society. The future of Malawi’s boys depends on it.