Online Reporter
Chaka Ruzvidzo
THE global community marked the World Day of the Boy Child, also known as International Boys Day, on 16 May under the theme, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes.”
This is not just a day for celebration — it is a moment for honest reflection. Zimbabwe, together with more than 40 other countries, must take time to look closely at the realities facing boys in homes, schools, communities and digital spaces.
While there has been progress worldwide in promoting equality and protecting vulnerable groups, many boys continue to grow up in silence. They face emotional neglect, violence, pressure to conform to harmful expectations, substance abuse, school dropouts and confusion about identity. In many cases, they are expected to be strong before they are allowed to be human.
The result is deeply worrying. Many boys grow into young men who struggle to express emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully or seek help when they are overwhelmed.
The World Day of the Boy Child was first introduced in 2018 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh of Trinidad and Tobago, who also founded International Men’s Day. Since then, it has grown into a global movement calling for the protection and development of boys, especially those who are vulnerable or overlooked.
This year’s theme highlights a simple truth: habits shape the future. The attitudes boys develop now will determine the type of men they become.
If society wants responsible and compassionate men, then it must begin by raising responsible and emotionally aware boys. This does not happen by chance. It requires guidance, discipline, mentorship and supportive communities.
Healthy masculinity must be taught. Boys need to learn values such as respect, empathy, self-control and responsibility. Without this, they are left to navigate life alone.
“You don’t raise heroes, you raise sons, and if you treat them like sons, they’ll turn out to be heroes, even if it’s just in your own eyes,” said Walter Schirra Sr.
There is a growing concern that cannot be ignored: many boys are in crisis. Society often tells boys that showing emotion is weakness, asking for help is failure, and vulnerability is unacceptable. These messages have created a generation of young men who suffer in silence.
Although data is limited, available figures paint a troubling picture. Boys are dropping out of school at high rates, struggling with literacy and facing rising levels of mental health challenges. Many are caught in cycles of frustration and emotional isolation.
At the same time, harmful influences are growing stronger. Peer pressure, substance abuse, exposure to violence and negative online content are shaping behaviour in dangerous ways. Qualities such as kindness and discipline are often mocked, while aggression and control are rewarded.
In many communities, boys are still taught that “real men do not cry”. They are discouraged from speaking about pain or trauma. Over time, this leads to unresolved emotional struggles that later appear as violence, addiction, depression or broken relationships.
Zimbabwe is not immune to these challenges. While the country has made strides in child protection and gender equality, there is still a gap in programmes that focus specifically on boys.
Most interventions come too late — after boys are already in trouble, addicted, or disconnected from school and family. Yet prevention is far more effective than fixing problems after they occur. There is a strong need for safe spaces where boys can talk openly about emotions, identity, mental health and peer pressure without fear.
“Healthy boys become respectful men, responsible fathers, supportive husbands and allies for gender equality. Investing in boys is not competition against girls — it is a strategy for building balanced, peaceful and equitable societies.”
Supporting boys is not a threat to the progress made for girls and women. Instead, it strengthens society as a whole. Boys who are supported and guided grow into men who build stronger families and communities.
Ignoring boys, on the other hand, creates long-term problems. Many of the challenges facing society — including crime, violence and broken households — are linked to the struggles boys face when they are growing up.
Another major issue is the lack of reliable data. There is little information on the number of boys who drop out of school, struggle with learning difficulties, or face mental health challenges.
Without data, it becomes difficult to plan effective programmes or advocate for change. Simply put, what is not measured is often ignored.
One of the most visible concerns in Zimbabwe today is drug and substance abuse, especially among boys in urban and vulnerable communities. Many are exposed to harmful substances at a very young age. Without early intervention, addiction can destroy education, damage mental health and limit future opportunities. Preventing this must begin early, before damage is done.
Mental health is another silent crisis. Many boys are dealing with anxiety, depression and loneliness but have no access to counselling or support. Schools often lack trained guidance counsellors, leaving boys to face these challenges alone.
When society labels boys as “troublemakers” or “failures”, it reinforces negative behaviour. Boys begin to believe these labels and live according to them.
This is why support systems must focus not only on discipline, but also on recognising potential and guiding positive growth.
“True masculinity should be rooted in responsibility, integrity, compassion, accountability and the protection of others — not in dominance, aggression or emotional suppression.”
It is important to redefine what it means to be a man. Strength should not be measured by silence or control, but by responsibility, respect and the ability to care for others.
The role of fathers and male role models is critical. Boys learn by observing the men around them. They learn how to treat others, how to handle challenges and how to express emotions.
Where positive role models are missing, communities must step in. Mentorship programmes can help guide boys and provide the support they need.
Faith-based organisations also have an important role to play. Churches and other institutions shape values and behaviours. By working together with community groups, they can help promote positive values and guide young people.
Ultimately, raising boys is not just a family responsibility — it is a national one. Schools, communities, leaders and institutions must work together to create an environment where boys can grow into responsible and balanced men.
The future of any nation depends on its young people. Investing in boys today is investing in tomorrow’s leaders, fathers and citizens.
The message is clear: if we want a better society, we must start by raising better-supported boys.
*Chaka Ruzvidzo is the High Commissioner for International Men’s Day and World Day of the Boy Child in Zimbabwe. He is also the National Coordinator of Men 4 Equality (M4E), a Private Voluntary Organisation working to engage men and boys as strategic allies for gender equality, positive masculinity and the prevention of gender-based violence. This article is written in his capacity as High Commissioner.
