Universal Assignment Initiative moves to empower boys in Ntcheu

Malawi: To empower boys, particularly those from rural areas, Universal Assignment Initiative has launched skill development programmes in Ntcheu.

Mercytania Malenga, the initiative's director, stated that empowering boys will aid in the removal of vices and spark more development in local communities.

"It takes a strong independent man to handle a strong woman, so if we empower boys, they will be stable and will not have to resort to vices like rape, theft, and early marriages," Malenga explained.

She also stated that they are implementing various activities solely to rescue boys from the negative syndrome of focusing solely on empowering girls.

"Aside from skill development programmes, we are also reaching out to boys through farming and soccer tournaments in order to economically empower them," Malenga explained.

She also informed Mana that in order to empower them, they are providing fees and school materials.

“Confidence gives boys the feeling that they can make informed decisions and avoid situations that are not appropriate for them,” she said.

She went on to say that both boys and girls should have equal access to opportunities.

"If we empower both genders, they will all develop leadership skills, learn about responsibilities, learn to work as a team, they become more resilient, and this also helps them build interest because they have a chance to explore new things and have a sense of purpose," Kambalame said.

Kambalame urged the government and non-governmental development partners to work together.

"Boys, like girls, face many challenges. Emphasis has been placed on empowering the girl child while neglecting the boy child. If we only focus on girl empowerment campaigns while ignoring the boy child, the boy child will feel neglected. As a result, the boys will be undermotivated, underachieving, have low self-esteem, engage in drug abuse, and commit more crimes," Kambalame predicted.

Ntcheu-based Universal Assignment initiative aims at raising a generation of men who will drive community change.