Ndaitwah wants boychild rescued … pushes name-change of first ladies’ body for inclusivity

First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah has called on African leaders to give urgent attention to boys who are increasingly falling behind in education and social development, warning the continent cannot achieve gender equality if it leaves the boychild behind.

Speaking at the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) fundraising gala dinner in Luanda, Angola, on Friday, Ndaitwah said Africa must continue empowering women and girls while ensuring boys and young men are not forgotten.

His remarks come months after he became the first male spouse to join the organisation, a milestone he described as both an honour and a responsibility.

“There is a massive and growing global conversation about boys being left behind, particularly in education, mental health and social development. For decades, discussions focused heavily on lifting girls up. While that work remains vital, data shows that a parallel boy crisis has emerged,” he said.