The challenges facing boys and men in Boston are often overlooked, but they are real and pressing. While much work remains to be done to support women and girls, we can and must address the struggles of boys and men without diminishing those efforts. The reality is that many men—particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, and Black and Latino communities—are facing serious hardships.

A new report from Boston Indicators and the American Institute for Boys and Men takes a deep dive into these issues, highlighting significant disparities in health, mental health, education, and employment and wages. Among the most concerning findings: men in Massachusetts face higher rates of suicide and opioid-related deaths, boys in lower-income districts are struggling to keep up in school, and fewer young men are enrolling in or completing college. These challenges have ripple effects, impacting families, communities, and Boston’s long-term economic future.

This report aims to bring these issues to light—not as a call to shift focus away from women and girls, but as a necessary step toward a more inclusive approach to gender equity. The well-being of men and women are deeply interconnected, and by ensuring that boys and men have the support they need, we create a stronger and more thriving Boston for everyone.

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