CHALLENGES OF MANHOOD IN GEN Z.

                                        

September 29th, 2022.

Some would assert brashly that it is only fair, aiming to support the adage "what goes around comes around." Women were treated like trash decades back. Exposed to a variety of cultural beliefs that not only made their lives intolerable but also put them in danger in every sense. It is safe to say that the Western culture introduced by the Europeans improved the lives of African women because it eliminated the archaic and barbaric African culture that denied women fair and equal treatment to their male counterparts.

Since then, women's empowerment has gained popularity. The "movement" has spread like the wind around the world. I may boldly declare, "I am proud to be a woman," without fear of ridicule or judgment from others. The "cherry on top" of feminism is now the presence of women at decision-making tables. What an accomplishment that the Kenyan government goes above and beyond to support girls in school by providing feminine products! Feminism itself has been misconstrued for disliking males and many women grow up with that mindset and resentment, believing that equity only pertains to them.

In the midst of all of this, men suffer in silence in the name of those attempting to "debunk toxic masculinity." They have been brainwashed into believing that asking for assistance would imply that they are weak. Their contributions are no longer valued by society. In Kenya, unlike with women, there are no rules solely governing men's safety, which is OK because men are "masculine enough" to take care of things on their own. You might wonder why guys would even need to be protected. Even while men are often thought to be the primary perpetrators of numerous crimes, which is accurate according to a study on domestic violence (ONS, 2020B), they often experience some abuse from their female counterparts most often because of what the general public assumes, “cases of male abuse sound so implausible.” 

Men no longer have the voice to advocate for themselves in today's society. They are accused of being misogynists as they try to defend themselves. Instead, they are connected to crimes that they can't even defend themselves from since, “no one would be willing to defend a male who was accused of offending a woman in any way because the judgment would always go in the woman's favor,” all this brought about by the stereotypes against them. 

The idea that women are their own worst adversaries while men are not, amuses me. Due to ignorance or simple fear of the unknown, most men are unwilling to assist other guys. They frequently overlook the fact that their alliance would enable them to achieve the long-awaited breakthrough. 

Both men and women must work together for advancement if gender equity is to be improved in Kenya and around the world. To do this, they must raise awareness of the value of equity and justice, develop tactics, and see to it that these plans are implemented to enhance their efficacy.