By Ugo Aliogo
The whining and ceaseless complains about the biases against women and girls can either be handled through fixing men or building boys, who will in turn become better men. This is what Boys Quarters Africa have done in the last three years and they’ve engaged over 6,000 Boys through their flagship projects.
In May 2020, Boys Quarters Africa hosted the first and largest boy-focused international summit with globally renowned speakers across Gender advocacy, mental health, child development and parenting. The 1st Edition has the likes of Olakunle Soriyan, Chude Jideonwo, Dr. Ruby Onwudiwe as the KeyNote Speakers, with over 3,000 viewership across 13 countries in the world.
A statement by the organization said it is set to host the 2nd edition and its themed: ‘Redefining Masculinity 2.0 (Fostering Actions beyond words).’
The Executive Director of Boys Quarters Africa, Solomon Ayodele, stated that the event would again birth the promotion of health masculinity and help mobilize boys and men in ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
In his words, he said: “We are partnering with Organizations across Canada, United State and United Kingdom to make this event a memorable. I would be joined by Mr. Jake Stika, the Executive Director of Next Generation Men, Canada; Mr. Daniel Guiness, the Director of Beyond Equality, London, Mr. Steve Harris, Mrs. Maryam Lemu and Dr. Ruby Onwudiwe.”
The Head of People and Culture, Busayo Fache, noted that 2021 year’s edition is a Hybrid, stating that the organisation would be live streaming from a physical location in Lagos and annex viewing centres across 35 Cities in Africa with a projected viewership over 4,000 Boys and 3,000 Young Adults.
Continuing, she added: “There would be a specialized panel session of young and successful individuals like Orifunke Lawal- the Founder of Lady with Balls, Victor Fatanmi- The Co-Founder of Fourth Canvas, Usman Imanah- the Founder of Friska Farm and Christina Soname- Management Consultant and Author of Dear Young Professional.”
The statement remarked that in addition to the summit on Friday, the organization would be visiting the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun Ikeja for a Football Match in commemoration of the world day of the boy child on May, 16.
