How Can Men Help Reduce Gender Inequality?

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By Precious Olayinka

Gender inequality is not just a women's problem. It is a human problem. For society to prosper, everyone must play a role in dismantling the structures that continue to perpetuate gender inequality. Men tend to hold higher positions in many societies, especially in countries like Nigeria, where patriarchy is widespread. This is quite appalling, but it also gives them a unique opportunity to be an ally in the fight against inequality. Here are some ways men can play their part in creating a more just world.

The Male Identity Crisis

Man staring intently.
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Most of us have probably heard that a woman's identity is tied to a couple of things: her beauty, skin tone, demeanor, chastity or purity, and ultimately, her ability to use these qualities to square herself a husband and bear 'his' children. This can be further expanded into the duties she is supposed to play in these roles of wife and mother, roles defined as the epitome of her womanhood. And we all know that those duties are many, unreasonable, and oftentimes, downright wicked. But these roles are so firmly woven into the fabric of society that choosing a different path almost always results in backlash, shaming, and in some cases, physical and sexual abuse. Very few people expect a woman’s identity to be tied to her intellect, career, goals and aspirations, or achievements. It is why women are constantly asked about their husbands or children, regardless of what other achievements they have outside of that.