GENDER INEQUALITY SHOULD BE TREATED WELL

Sir,
 
We need to go beyond narrow conceptions of gender to understand the drivers and manifestations of violence against women, girls, boys and men. It is frustrating that development programmes dwell much on women leaving the integral part of engaging their male counterparts. This is not to belittle the issue of violence against women and girls. But so much funding goes into programmes which are set up in a discursive binary that sees women only as victims and men as perpetrators. The role of men as providers is mostly seen as a universal norm and work is core to an understanding of unemployment, low income or lack of status in society can fuel low self-esteem and a sense of failure as a provider.

Inadequacy

Feelings of inadequacy can lead men and boys to turn to substance abuse, migration, depression and dangerous sexual behaviours. Gender-based violence becomes a demonstration or reassertion of male power in order to re-establish status. Being a male in today’s society is not about living and enjoyment, it has become more of a task. Social pressures and social media have made it difficult for males to live a life in which they are not being pressured to act in a certain way. In order to reassure themselves of their masculinity, violence has become the main method in assuring themselves and those around them that they are powerful.

Violence

Not only is this violence being perpetrated against others, but self-inflicted violence also exists. The violence being used is not only physical but it is emotional as well. Masculinity has forced many males to perform in ways that are detrimental to their own health as well as their loved ones. Furthermore, it has also put males in conflict with the law when we look at aspects of criminality, alcohol and drug abuse. The definition of masculinity is misinterpreted and shows men that in order to be respected, power must be applied upon others and intimidation is the only method of gaining this respect. Through the use of this power and intimidation, girls and women are often oppressed and kept under the control of men. As men we should strive to change the need of the male for women to gain human dignity. Let not the service of sexual conduct be a weapon for said benefits. We should help them not to be confined to that function.

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