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Celebrate International Day of the Boy Child on May 16 with enthusiasm and joy! This day was established to recognize and celebrate the rights and achievements of boys around the world. It was first instituted by a coalition of non-governmental organizations in 2012 in an effort to address issues faced by boys including child labor, gender inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education. With this special holiday we can raise awareness of these issues, as well as create opportunities for boys to reach their full potential. Let's come together and recognize how important it is that all children are given equal opportunity!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Millennium Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Millennium Declaration, acknowledging the importance of gender equality and child rights, forming groundwork for advocacy including the rights of boys.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Study on Violence</div><div class='timeline-text'>UN's independent expert releases a global study on violence against children, recognizing boys as particularly vulnerable to certain forms of violence and exploitation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>NGO Coalition Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>A group of NGOs form a coalition focused on the welfare of boys worldwide, addressing the gaps in gender-specific policies and programs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Day of the Boy Child</div><div class='timeline-text'>The coalition of NGOs, supported by various governments, institutes the first International Day of the Boy Child to bring attention to issues facing boys.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on Education</div><div class='timeline-text'>Highlighting the topic of education, this year’s observation worked to spotlight the lack of access to quality education for boys in underprivileged regions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 and Boys</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened attention is drawn to the vulnerabilities of boys in unstable environments, further emphasizing the importance of this day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a sports tournament</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start a tournament with the boys in your community or school to celebrate International Day of the Boy Child. Use different sports like football, basketball, tennis, and badminton.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on an adventure</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the boys in your family or community on an adventure such as camping, hiking, or biking. This is a great way to help the boys in your life learn about nature and get some fresh air.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather the boys in your community or family to watch a movie together. Choose movies that are suitable for young boys and have snacks available for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a dinner party for the boys in your community or family. Create a special menu for them and allow them to assist in preparing the food if possible.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a game night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a game night for the boys in your community or family. Choose appropriate games that they can all play together. This is a great way to help them bond and have some fun.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognition of boys' rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day of the Boy Child is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the unique needs, experiences and challenges boys face around the world. It's a day to recognize boys' basic human rights, including access to education, health care and protection from violence and exploitation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Focus on boys’ health & well being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day of the Boy Child also focuses on what can be done to improve boys' physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing. This includes advocating for gender equality, providing essential nutrition and healthcare services, and ensuring that kids have access to safe play spaces and activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotion of positive male role models</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also provides an opportunity to highlight positive male role models in society who are inspiring boys to strive for excellence. Boys need strong, caring figures in their lives – men who can show them how to make responsible decisions, respect women and girls, and contribute positively to their communities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More than 1 in 10 Boys Are Victims of Child Labor</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to estimates from the International Labour Organization, 11% of boys globally are subject to child labor. This is particularly true in the poorest countries, increasing the risk of long-term physical and psychological harm.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gender Inequality has a Negative Impact on Boys</h3><p class='facts-content'>Gender inequality can hinder boys in many ways. Boys are more likely to be denied access to education, resources, and job opportunities. This can lead to poverty and lack of financial security, further impacting boys in the long-term.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Boys are at a Higher Risk of Poverty and Homelessness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Boys are statistically more likely to live in poverty than girls, with an estimated 18.9% of boys facing poverty compared with 15.3% of girls around the world. Lack of access to education, resources, and job opportunities can make it hard for boys to escape poverty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Boys are Less Likely to Receive an Education</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many parts of the world, boys are less likely than girls to receive an education, due to social norms, poverty, and lack of access to basic resources. This can impact boys significantly, affecting job opportunities and financial security.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Boys Suffer Disproportionately from Mental Health Issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Boys are more likely than girls to suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. This is often due to social pressure, lack of access to resources, and other factors such as poverty and gender inequality.</p></div></div>
International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated every year on May 16. In 2024, this day will fall on a Thursday.
2023
May 16
Tuesday
2024
May 16
Thursday
2025
May 16
Friday
2026
May 16
Saturday
2027
May 16
Sunday
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