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BOYS
There are more questions than answers pertaining to the involvement of more men in vices than women. One may say the physical strength of the male folk makes it easier for more boys and men to indulge in the rigours of crime and violence. Be that as it may, the absence of deliberate attention and the effects of societal pressures are potent factors responsible for male involvement and domination of criminal ventures.

It is easier to see both government and nongovernmental organizations dedicated solely to the promotion of interests peculiar to girls, than to see any such organizations set up to advance causes for boys in exclusive terms.

Understandably, over the years, the need for a shift from ancient patriarchal social settings towards ensuring social balance between men and women gave rise to the continuous establishment of systems to promote equal rights and privileges, devoid of gender supremacy. However, with the passage of time and the commendable achievement of goals set along this line, it is time to balance things, so as to curtail the short and long term effects of neglecting boys in the process of uplifting girls.

Notwithstanding the necessity and benefits of all that is done all over the world to advance the cause of the girl child, abandoning boys to their fate will continually render such efforts ineffective. Girls do not live in an exclusive world. After their well-being is taken care of, they return to societies where they live with men who were uncatered for while they were boys.

Today, the boy child needs as much attention as the girl child receives. Other than the benefits of such attention to the boy child, ventures pursuant to the well-being of the girl child would no longer be counterproductive if same attention is paid to boys too.

Both governmental and nongovernmental organizations should be created to cater exclusively to the needs of the boy child. This would have the long term effect of birthing a society with men who are less likely to get involved with vices.

Also, men should deliberately mentor young boys around them, guiding them to avoid common mistakes made on account of the absence of guidance or foresight. Beyond the creation of clubs, societies and associations for boys, one-on-one mentorship would go a long way to drive the goal of ensuring the holistic well-being of as many boys as possible.

The family must also be given its rightful place as an essential platform for social transformation. Deliberate attention should be given to boys from their homes, with the aim of making them useful to themselves and the society at large.

Our world will gradually be transformed into a better place, if the attention given to children is devoid of any whit of preference anchored on each child's gender.

© Ogbole Agala