Boy Child: A neglected gender amid rising male suicide cases

Concerns have been raised over the neglect of the boy child, which is believed to have contributed to a rise in male suicide rates and cases of depression. Unlike the girl child, who benefits from the support of multiple organizations, boys often lack platforms to address their emotional and psychological struggles.  

Organizations have begun to acknowledge this gap. Among them is Majita Let's Talk, founded by Khaya-elihle Pardon Khanya, which seeks to encourage men to break their silence and discuss their challenges.  

Recent reports reveal a troubling trend: in Bulawayo, 21 suicide cases were recorded, 20 of which involved men.  

Pastor Mbongen Zhungu emphasized that societal neglect of the boy child is a contributing factor. He linked this to the rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) perpetrated by men.  

"The society is unknowingly raising violent men. When we examine GBV cases, many are committed by men who grew up harboring anger due to neglect. These boys grow into rough and violent individuals," said Zhungu.  

He stressed the importance of offering the boy child the same level of support provided to girls. "If we give equal attention to both boys and girls, they will grow into balanced individuals, contributing equally to society," Zhungu added.  

Mkhululi Nsingo, an executive committee member of Boys dza Mdara, echoed this sentiment, lamenting the persistent neglect of boys. "The cries of the boy child are loud and clear because they are often overlooked. For instance, initiatives like Dreams only fund the education of girls, yet both boys and girls have the right to education and face similar financial challenges," said Nsingo.  

Nsingo highlighted ongoing campaigns to empower boys through youth projects aimed at inclusivity. "We are working hard to ensure everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities," he said.  

Ruvarashe Chikore, a representative from ZIMPHAC, stated that the organization is committed to addressing the issue through advocacy and campaigns for the boy child. "Men are committing suicide due to rejection and fear of speaking out. Society expects men to be strong and endure hardships without expressing vulnerability. Male victims of abuse are often ridiculed when they seek help from the police, which exacerbates the problem," Chikore explained.  

A local resident also spoke out, highlighting the societal pressures faced by boys. "Boys are expected to appear ‘normal’ even when enduring difficult times. This neglect is why male suicide rates are so high - no one listens to us," the resident said.  

The call for equal attention to the challenges faced by boys continues to gain momentum, with many advocating for a more balanced approach to addressing gender issues.