Boys Deserve the Tools to Succeed Just as Much as Girls,’ – Victor Livinus

In a powerful new editorial, Arabella Star Magazine has turned the spotlight on a critical yet often overlooked issue in global development: the education and health of the boy child. At a time when gender equality dominates discussions on social progress, the struggles faced by boys have remained largely in the shadows.

Mr. Victor Livinus, CEO and Publisher of Arabella Star Magazine, underscored the importance of addressing this imbalance. “While significant progress has been made in advocating for the rights and welfare of the girl child, we must not neglect the boy child in our pursuit of equality,” he stated. “Boys like Kamau, a bright young boy from rural Kenya whose dreams faded as support for his education and well-being dwindled, represent a silent crisis that must be addressed.”

Kamau’s story, highlighted by Mr. Livinus, is a sobering reminder of the challenges boys face worldwide. In many cultures, boys are expected to prioritize household responsibilities over their education and health. This cultural expectation, compounded by economic pressures, has led to a higher dropout rate among boys, particularly in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Here, the secondary school completion rate for boys lags significantly behind that of girls.

The magazine’s report also sheds light on the pressing health issues affecting boys, including higher rates of injury, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. “Boys are more likely than girls to engage in risky behaviors and suffer from mental health issues, yet they often lack the support systems and mentorship programs that have been developed for girls,” Mr. Livinus emphasized.

This neglect has far-reaching implications beyond social issues, with serious economic consequences. Mr. Livinus warned that the global economy could lose up to $30 trillion over the next century due to underinvestment in the education of boys and men. He argued that investing in the holistic development of boys is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

“As we continue to uplift the girl child, let us not forget that the boy child, too, must be given the tools and support he needs to succeed,” Mr. Livinus urged. He called for a balanced approach that includes quality education, comprehensive healthcare, and the promotion of positive masculinity. Such an approach, he believes, will ensure that both boys and girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world.

Arabella Star Magazine remains committed to raising awareness about this critical issue and advocating for a more inclusive approach to gender equality that addresses the needs of both boys and girls.