- Gender stereotypes should be challenged especially toxic femininity movements.
- It will be encouraging for perpetrators of unlawful acts to face legal action, as this will serve as an example to others with similar motives or habits.
Image: FILE
Over the recent years, the conversation on gender equality has become commonplace in various aspects of modern world. Much of the debate has been advocating for the welfare of girls and women rights.
The female gender has been vulnerable to gender-based injustices especially at household and community levels. However, it seems like men have been left behind in this crucial discussion. This has resulted to men being sidelined making them face various challenges in day to day life.
Statistics show that one in four men have experienced one form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Gender Violence Recovery Centre says at least five per cent of boys are survivors of GBV.
More alarming is that more than 2.1 million men in Kenya experience abuse daily. This necessitates necessary stakeholders to spark the conversation on welfare of men in our society.
Subjecting men to violence has many impacts to their social and productive life. It diminishes self-esteem of men thereby lowering their aggressive nature. This results to reluctance in completing tasks, consequently resulting to downgrading of career and professional excellence.
Other impacts include injuries to the genital area, sexual dysfunction and transmission of STIs. Psychological trauma could lead to disruptive behaviour thereby affecting relationship with colleagues, in severe circumstances one may lose job in the process.
There's need to enact measures that ensure wellness of all members of the community regardless of gender and ethnic background. The time is ripe to unlearn beliefs that portray men as superior to women and some traditional beliefs which insist men should not cry or speak up have to be discarded.
Gender stereotypes should be challenged especially toxic femininity movements. It will be encouraging for perpetrators of unlawful acts to face legal action, as this will serve as an example to others with similar motives or habits.
Men taking part in raising voices will be a great plus towards reinstating their status. It his high time our male gender know the importance of speaking out once they feel discriminated against. Being the most active contributors to economic growth, we need to provide a favourable atmosphere for men to explore constructive ventures.
This includes giving them peace of mind and support as it will motivate them to produce more work output. As we match towards realising SDGs, it's is prudent to consider plight of men in the push for gender equality.
Journalist and communication practitioner. Chief editor at Seconds with Kario
Twitter: @Anthony Mbithi001