“If You Educate a Woman, You Educate a Nation” — But Is the Boy Child Being Left Behind?

By Prince Oduro (Prof)

We’ve all heard that famous quote by Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey:

“If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

It’s powerful, and rightly so. For many years, girls and women were denied access to education, and this quote became a rallying cry to change that. It inspired movements, policies, scholarships, and awareness campaigns that helped level the playing field for the girl child; and that’s something we should all be proud of.

But lately, I’ve been wondering: what about the boy child?

The Quiet Struggles No One Talks About

Don’t get me wrong; I believe in the importance of empowering girls, but as more and more energy is channeled into girl-child development, it’s starting to feel like the boy child is being pushed to the background. Not intentionally, but still… the effects are becoming hard to ignore.

Today, there are support systems everywhere for girls. Girl clubs, girl mentorships, girl scholarships, “girls in STEM” initiatives — the list goes on. And yet, many boys are growing up without that same level of encouragement or guidance.

When Boys Start Falling Behind

In classrooms across the continent and beyond, something interesting is happening: girls are starting to outperform boys in many subjects. It’s a sign of progress for girls, sure; but for boys, it’s a red flag.

A lot of boys are losing interest in school. Some feel there’s no one cheering them on. Others are taking on adult responsibilities too early; hustling, dropping out, or turning to unhealthy distractions. It’s easy to miss these signs because we assume boys are “strong” or will “figure it out.”

But strength doesn’t mean silence. Boys need help too.

Left Without a Lifeline

Here’s the truth: the boy child is quietly struggling. He’s expected to be tough. To "man up." To not cry. He’s told to succeed — but given very little emotional support to do so. No safe spaces, no mentorship programs, no voice in the conversation.

Meanwhile, society keeps pushing the idea that “boys are naturally okay.” But they’re not always okay. In fact, some are deeply lost, and because there’s so little attention on their needs, they feel like they don’t matter.

And when a boy feels like he doesn’t matter, that’s when we lose him — to violence, to drugs, to the streets, to depression, or to silence.

We Can’t Build Half a Nation

Dr. Aggrey’s words are still relevant. Educating girls has changed countless lives, but building a nation requires balance. If we only focus on one side, we risk creating a gap that can eventually tear us apart.

Empowering one gender shouldn’t mean ignoring the other. We need to lift both; equally and intentionally.

So What Can We Do for the Boy Child?

Let’s be honest: this isn’t just about school performance. It’s about emotional well-being, self-worth, purpose, and direction.

Here are a few ideas:

Create spaces for boys to talk — about their feelings, dreams, and fears.

Mentor them intentionally — especially those growing up without strong male role models.

Celebrate their efforts — not just their toughness.

Challenge harmful stereotypes — boys don’t always have to be the “strong, silent type.”

Push for programs that include them — because boys need guidance just as much as girls do.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a competition between boys and girls. It never was. But in our rush to uplift one, we must not leave the other behind.

Let’s continue to fight for the girl child — yes. But let’s also turn and say to the boy child: “You matter too. We see you. We hear you. And we’re here for you.”

Because in the end, a truly strong nation is one where both sons and daughters can stand tall — side by side.