24/03/2026
Mentoring the Girl Child vs. Mentoring the Boy Child-By Liz E. Chirwa
While it is indisputable that both genders require guidance, the historic emphasis on mentoring the girl child stems from her heightened vulnerability to systemic risks.
During adolescence, a lack of structured mentorship often exercebates the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies and educational attrition. For a nation, this signifies loss of human capital, as a large demographic of young women may become economically sidelined, creating an avoidable strain on the national exchequer through increased welfare dependency.
However, an exclusive focus on one gender is a short-sighted strategy for national development. Neglecting the mentorship of boys can lead to a socio-behavioural vaccuum, where young men lack the emotional intelligence and accountability necessary for stable society structures.
When boys are not mentored, the resulting irresponsible behaviour often leads to unstable family units, which further stymies a nation's progress by fostering a generation of children raised in social-economically precarious environments.
Ultimately, holistic national development is only achievable when both genders are equipped with the life skills and ethical frameworks required to contribute meaningfully to the country's growth.
The End!