The girl child was raised while The boy child was left to just grow - Empowering the boy child

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Sherry highlights the often-overlooked struggles of the boy child, emphasizing how society has focused largely on empowering girls while neglecting boys. She discusses the emotional and mental toll this imbalance takes on boys, who are left without the necessary guidance and support. Sherry calls for a more balanced approach to empowerment, encouraging women to support the boy child just as much as the girl child for the sake of a healthier, more functional society. The conversation stresses the importance of treating boys with the care and attention they deserve, addressing their mental health, and advocating for their well-being in every aspect of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of boy child empowerment is being overlooked in society, while girl child empowerment has received significant attention over the years.
• 😀 There is a widespread assumption that boys have all the resources and guidance they need to succeed, which is not true, leading to their neglect and struggles.
• 😀 Boys often suffer from depression, lack of mentorship, and unaddressed emotional needs, yet society tends to dismiss their issues.
• 😀 The empowerment of the girl child has been a focus for many decades, leading to advancements in education, career opportunities, and political representation for women.
• 😀 However, the boy child has been largely neglected, and this imbalance is causing harm in society, with boys struggling to find their place.
• 😀 The societal expectation that boys should 'know it all' or be 'tough' contributes to their emotional distress and lack of support.
• 😀 Education systems and career opportunities often favor women, further exacerbating the challenges faced by boys in terms of opportunities and recognition.
• 😀 Mental health issues, substance abuse, and societal pressure are significantly affecting boys and young men, who lack the support and resources to deal with these struggles.
• 😀 To address these issues, there needs to be a shift in how society treats boys, including acknowledging their challenges and providing the same attention and support that girls have received.
• 😀 There is a call for women, who have historically fought for girl child empowerment, to now step up and advocate for boy child empowerment, in order to achieve a more balanced and functional society.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the conversation?

The main theme of the conversation is the empowerment of the boy child, highlighting the neglect of boys in societal initiatives compared to the focus on the girl child in recent years.

Why does Sherry believe that the boy child has been overlooked?

Sherry believes that society assumes boys naturally possess everything they need for success, which leads to their emotional struggles being overlooked. This assumption causes them to lack mentorship, emotional support, and opportunities to express their challenges.

How has the girl child empowerment movement been successful, according to Sherry?

The girl child empowerment movement has successfully given women more rights, including better access to education and careers previously dominated by men. Women are now actively participating in politics, engineering, and other professions.

What challenges do boys face in education, as discussed in the conversation?

Boys face challenges such as not receiving the same level of attention and support as girls. Educational programs tend to focus on girls, and there is a societal expectation that boys will succeed without the same level of intervention or resources.

What role do women play in supporting boy child empowerment?

Women, especially mothers, can play a crucial role in supporting boy child empowerment by advocating for boys' mental health, providing mentorship, and ensuring that boys receive equal opportunities in education and society.

Why does Sherry suggest that comparing men and women is problematic?

Sherry suggests that comparing men and women is problematic because they are fundamentally wired differently. Treating them as equals in every aspect without considering their inherent differences can lead to frustration and inequality.

How does Sherry feel about the societal pressure on boys to conform to certain standards?

Sherry feels that societal pressure on boys to conform to certain standards, such as being strong and emotionless, leads to many mental health issues. Boys are expected to be 'superhuman,' which creates internalized struggles they aren't allowed to express.

What are the consequences of neglecting the boy child's needs, according to the discussion?

Neglecting the boy child's needs has serious consequences, including increased susceptibility to drug addiction, crime, and violence. Boys, who often lack emotional support, can easily be drawn into negative behaviors due to a lack of guidance and understanding.

How does Sherry recommend addressing the issues faced by boys in society?

Sherry recommends starting by acknowledging the problem, treating boys as individuals with distinct emotional and mental needs, and ensuring that they receive equal opportunities and support in education, employment, and society.

What does Sherry believe is the key to balancing gender equality in society?

Sherry believes that achieving gender equality requires a balanced approach where both the girl child and boy child are supported. She emphasizes that women must also support boy child empowerment to ensure that both genders thrive in a functional society.