“A world where every child’s dignity is cherished, their safety is guaranteed, and their dreams are nurtured to flourish – this is what every child, boy or girl, deserves,” affirmed Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director for Nigeria.
Sanusi’s statement came during an Amnesty International event in Abuja held on Friday to mark the International Day of the Boy Child 2025.
The theme, “Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” underscores the vital need to foster self-respect and empower boys to speak out and be seen for their value, he conveyed through his representative, Mrs. Benedicta Ofili.
He said: “Today, we shine the light on a critical yet often overlooked pillar of human rights: the rights, well-being, and potential of boys worldwide. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every child-regardless of gender-grows up in a world that nurtures their dignity, safety, and dreams.
“Today is not just a celebration but a call to action. For decades, global efforts have rightly focused on advancing the rights of girls, and we celebrate that progress. Yet, we also recognise that boys face unique challenges that demand our attention.
“From societal pressures to “be strong” at the cost of their mental health, to harmful stereotypes that discourage vulnerability, to risks of violence, exploitation, or disengagement from education, boys too need spaces where they are heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.
“This day reminds us that human rights are not a zero-sum game. Uplifting boys does not diminish our fight for girls, rather, it strengthens our collective mission to create equitable societies.
“When we teach boys empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence, we raise men who champion equality. When we address their mental health struggles, we build resilient futures. When we protect them from child labour, and violence, we uphold their right to childhood.
“Amnesty International is committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone and this builds an environment where boys can grow free from toxic expectations, where their voices shape policies, and where their aspirations are met with opportunity.”
He stressed: “But this work cannot be done alone. It requires parents, educators, policymakers, and communities to reimagine masculinity not as a cage of rigidity, but as a landscape of compassion, integrity, and accountability.
“Today, let us pledge to: Listen to boys’ unheard stories, challenge norms that harm their development, invest in programs addressing their education, health, and safety, and collaborate across sectors to build inclusive systems.
“The boy child of today is the father, leader, and changemaker of tomorrow. By nurturing his humanity today, we sow seeds for a fairer, kinder world.”
Persecondnews correspondent, who covered the event, reports that it was attended by more than 160 schoolboys from eight secondary schools in and around Abuja.
Leave a comment