Men, it's time to raise your voices
I am angry! From memory, I have never overtly expressed such an emotion in an article or a post. This time I feel that I have to share what I feel after having read that for the nth time a woman is killed by her partner.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a despicable plague that has ravaged societies for far too long. It manifests in various forms—physical, sexual, emotional, and economic—and knows no boundaries of age, ethnicity, or social status.
The OECD describes it as an ongoing crisis, a shadow pandemic.
One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is the deafening silence from a significant segment of the population—men. It's time to dismantle the misconceptions and misconstrued notions that perpetuate the idea that addressing GBV is solely a concern for women. Contrary to this fallacy, men have a vital role to play in eradicating this senseless violence.
GBV isn't just a women's issue; it's a human rights issue. Men and women alike suffer from the repercussions of a society plagued by violence. It's crucial to recognize that when women endure violence, it affects families, communities, and societies at large. Men who remain silent or indifferent indirectly condone these atrocities, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and normalisation of violence.
Furthermore, by using their voices, they can challenge harmful stereotypes and norms that fuel gender-based violence. Men can lead by example, demonstrating healthy, respectful relationships and rejecting toxic masculinity. This shift in mindset and behaviour is pivotal in reshaping societal attitudes towards violence and gender roles.
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Men need to, also, actively engage in conversations about consent, respect, and equality. This involvement isn't about guilt or blame, but about accountability and collective responsibility. By standing in solidarity with survivors, speaking out against injustice, and holding perpetrators accountable, men can contribute significantly to the movement against GBV.
Addressing GBV requires a united front—an alliance that includes men as advocates and allies in the fight for equality and justice. It's about fostering empathy, understanding, and a shared commitment to creating a world where every individual can live free from the fear of violence and discrimination.
To those who question their role in this fight or believe it doesn't concern them directly, understand this: silence is complicity. Remaining silent in the face of injustice only perpetuates the cycle of violence. Real change demands action, and men have an undeniable responsibility to be part of this change.
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It's time to break the shackles of silence and take a stand against gender-based violence. Men must educate themselves, challenge harmful behaviours, and actively promote a culture of respect and equality.
Together, we can build a future where GBV becomes an abhorrent relic of the past rather than a distressing reality of the present.
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1 年Very indepth thought. A one indeed too much for our society. The pain of kids? What values to new generation? A need to review both men and women approach. Thank you Eddy to voice out.
Workplace Safety Expert
1 年Great article, in my opinion the education and awareness must start at home at a very young age. Growing in a patriarchal society, GBV was a common and accepted norms in my village. It is considered being le Mari. It was demanded of me to endure GBV from my own mother as it was normal instead of divorcing as it would be shame. Dimoune ki pour dir- the famous quote in our society. I see mothers accepting and feeling proud and encouraging their little boys with a big laughter when they raise their hands on their sisters or mothers. Instead of stopping them and telling that this is wrong. Boys seeing GBV in their house, adopt the same style with their partners and women accept those behaviors because our society, religions and culture have brainwashed them into thinking that this is normal. Plus they don't have much choices to leave and build their own lives. Hence they end up dying in the hands of their partner. On the other hands, men suffer GBV as well but not physically instead mentally. There needs to be education for both genders so non accept GBV.
Partner @ PG Capital | Independent Director | FCCA
1 年Both women and men are at the receiving end of GBV. Clearly, women are statistically more vulnerable to physical violence than men, but men are very much at the receiving end of emotional violence. Unfortunately, this plague gets the limelight way more when women are the victims. Prevention is effective when addressing the root causes of such issues. I feel not enough is done on this front.