Siziba Thando
Health and environment reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
As Zimbabwe continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Zimbabwe Youth Leaders Board (ZYLB) has called for a more inclusive approach that empowers both the girl and boy child in the fight against GBV.
In a public statement, HE. Adv. Michael Makuyana, President and Executive Director of ZYLB, praised ongoing efforts to protect and uplift the girl child but urged stakeholders not to overlook the silent struggles of the boy child. His call comes amid rising concerns that while campaigns focus heavily on girls, boys are often left out of critical conversations on emotional wellness, consent, and violence prevention.
“While we amplify the voice of the girl child, let us not forget the boy child, who is silently struggling, often neglected, and left without platforms to express or heal,” said Adv. Makuyana.
He stressed the importance of empowering all young people boys and girls alike with knowledge about consent, personal safety, mental health, and emotional intelligence. According to Makuyana, GBV cannot be effectively tackled if one side of the conversation is ignored.
“Silence around the boy child may fuel future toxicity or suffering,” he warned.
The ZYLB leader emphasized that true progress against GBV requires a balanced, gender-inclusive strategy. He called on schools, communities, government, and civil society to actively engage the boy child providing platforms for mentorship, education, and psychosocial support.
As part of this broader vision, ZYLB is advocating for programs that promote emotional maturity, conflict resolution, and self-awareness among boys. Such efforts aim to break harmful gender stereotypes and create a culture where mutual respect, peace, and non-violence are the norm.
“Let the 16 Days of Activism evolve into a movement that encourages equal protection, equal empowerment, and equal opportunity for all genders,” Makuyana said.
As the campaign continues, ZYLB’s message is clear: Empower the girl. Support the boy. Protect them both.
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