Boys must not be left behind, says child welfare minister Emma Kantema

Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema says Namibia cannot afford to leave boys behind.

She says neglecting boys today could have consequences for communities in the future.

She was speaking during an engagement session held at Nkurenkuru on Friday, under the theme ‘Empowering the Boy Child, Inspiring Men, Creating a Brighter, Responsible Future for All’.

She said investing in boys leads to stronger families, safer communities and a brighter future for Namibia.

“There are narratives that the boy child is left behind, but today we are challenging that narrative. Development, protection and empowerment of the boy child is not ignored. It is receiving attention,” she said.

Kantema emphasised that the voices, well-being and futures of boys matter, and noted that the ministry is committed to building strong boys who can become responsible men in future.