Kenyan media personality and Milele FM presenter Wilbroda, also known as Jacquey Nyaminde, has expressed concerns over the neglect of young men in society. She argues that the intense focus on empowering girls has resulted in a widening support gap for young men. Wilbroda made these remarks during a radio broadcast on October 6, 2026. She noted that non-governmental organizations and community initiatives prioritize female empowerment, often at the expense of boys.
According to Wilbroda, decades of investment in female empowerment have successfully built self-reliance and confidence among women. This has enabled them to excel in various sectors. However, she cautioned that this progress has come at the expense of boys, who lack similar structured support systems. Wilbroda emphasized that the girl child has been empowered to the point where she now realizes her potential, but the young man has been left far behind.
Wilbroda also highlighted the financial incentives driving this disparity. She observed that development organizations often align their funding proposals with female empowerment to secure donor support. As a result, many projects and initiatives are geared towards empowering the girl child, leaving young men without similar opportunities. This has created an imbalance in the support provided to boys and girls.
While celebrating the success of women in leveraging opportunities to gain visibility in corporate spaces, Wilbroda emphasized the need to rebalance the narrative. She called for equal attention, resources, and mentorship to be extended to the boy child. According to Wilbroda, this is necessary to ensure that young men are also empowered to reach their full potential.
The issue raised by Wilbroda highlights a broader concern about the impact of targeted empowerment initiatives on marginalized groups. In Kenya, as in many other countries, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the specific challenges faced by boys and young men. This includes providing support systems and resources to help them navigate the complexities of modern life.
The conversation around the empowerment of the boy child is gaining traction in Kenya. Wilbroda's comments are part of a larger discussion about the need for a more balanced approach to gender empowerment. This approach would take into account the unique challenges faced by both boys and girls, and provide support systems that cater to their specific needs.
As the conversation around gender empowerment continues to evolve, Wilbroda's concerns are likely to spark further debate. The issue of neglect of young men in society is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and nuanced approach. By highlighting this issue, Wilbroda has contributed to a growing discussion about the need for a more balanced and inclusive approach to empowerment.
Key points
- Kenyan media personality Wilbroda raises concerns over neglect of young men in society.
- Focus on female empowerment has resulted in a widening support gap for young men.
- Wilbroda calls for equal attention, resources, and mentorship to be extended to the boy child.
