Given my roles as an educator for high school students, a scholar in educational psychology, a mentor with certification in mental health counseling, a leader of a school club, a resident of Morocco, and a parent, I feel compelled to address the concerning trend of many male students showing little interest in their studies.
Furthermore, I urge those in leadership positions to address this aggravating problem. The primary concern for most male students—which I emphasize does not imply all—is focusing intently on their studies and establishing goals aligned with the school curriculum.
The time has come for us to examine this trend, as it continues to permeate every facet of our lives, including professional roles. This shift is evident in societal attitudes, with women increasingly at the forefront. It’s undeniable that female students are surpassing their male counterparts both academically across multiple disciplines and socially through varied engagements. Young females demonstrate greater engagement in educational settings and additional activities outside class (although it should be noted that not all girls have ideal learning conditions).
According to various data points, girls outperformed boys in subjects like literature and advanced courses over the last three years. Certain reports suggest that the disparity between genders in proficiency levels for both Arabic and French has widened recently; specifically, 68% of girls view reading as an interest versus just 54% of boys. Moreover, at the tertiary level, women dominate: from 2017 to 2022, 60% of enrolled college students were female, whereas men constituted merely 28%. Additionally, current information indicates that a greater proportion of females successfully cleared competitive examinations compared to their male counterparts.
To make something clear, the dedication and effort put forth by young women is a matter of great pride for all Moroccans. We—as a nation, encompassing both genders—need to continue supporting our female students and encouraging their progress. However, I also aim to bring awareness to the challenges faced by male students with regard to our Ministry and policymakers. The elevated position of females within society should not be seen as responsible for boys dropping out of school-related activities or pursuing interests beyond academics.
It’s evident that women are putting in tremendous effort to achieve prestigious positions across various domains. Their success can be attributed both to their unwavering resolve and to broader social transformations. In Morocco, policies tend to favor empowering girls over boys. Women have indeed gained considerable support through incentive schemes in sectors like education, economics, community development, and political participation. The “Plan for Gender Equity 2017-2030” encompasses measures designed to assist girls throughout their academic journey and foster equal opportunity between genders. Additionally, the government has initiated the “National Initiative for Educating Girls in Rural Zones,” which seeks to enhance schooling prospects for young ladies in remote regions by constructing nearby facilities and providing financial aid. Informal projects like “DigiGirlz” also strive to bolster female engagement in STEM disciplines. Nonetheless, overlooking the needs of boy students represents a substantial misstep.
The success of these previously mentioned initiatives is commendable and commands our admiration. We, as educators, deeply appreciate the work aimed at assisting numerous young women with their academic pursuits. Nevertheless, we should pose some queries: Shouldn’t boys also be entitled to motivational programs? Is there sufficient awareness among them about their futures? In essence, aren’t they youngsters who require guidance to navigate through life’s myriad temptations?
Many boys dedicate significant time to playing football, watching matches, socializing, and similar activities. Additionally, they tend to invest more hours into gaming at their homes. Parents find this behavior tolerable due to prevailing cultural norms that grant greater liberty to boy children relative to girl children, who frequently assist with household chores and focus heavily on academic pursuits.
Conversely, certain male students today think that schools are obsolete and fail to keep up with technological progress and market demands worldwide. They perceive that schooling doesn’t ensure a better future, considering how many individuals holding BAs or MAs remain jobless. Furthermore, numerous instances of self-made successes can be found across various social platforms, showcasing figures who either avoided formal education entirely or left school prematurely.
Furthermore, boys tend to be more swayed by superficial influencers who employ youthful vernacular that offers fleeting comfort. Additionally, many believe they can achieve quick financial gains at a young age without having to endure prolonged periods in educational institutions. Such factors, along with others, lead to diminished engagement and enthusiasm among male students toward their academic pursuits.
On the contrary, girls are more engaged with schooling as they aspire to achieve financial and social independence. They have grown weary of being seen as a drain on men. This empowerment has made them more conscious of both their present circumstances and future prospects.
Who should be held accountable? No single entity bears responsibility for male students’ negligence; however, we collectively bear culpability if we do not strive to implement strategies aimed at motivating them. It is essential to demonstrate that both personal and societal progress towards success hinges upon the strength of our educational systems. As Nelson Mandela once stated, “Education is the most potent tool with which we can transform the world.” Other instances of triumph around the globe remain mere anomalies.
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Opinion: Why Are Male Students Lagging Behind?
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