"WO-MEN... We Are Men"

Growing up in Namibia, where traditional African household structures have largely been diluted by urbanization and Western influences, my early perspective on family dynamics was vastly different from what I encountered later in Zambia. Namibian households often operate in a less rigid framework, where roles are blurred and individualism frequently takes precedence. However, as I matured and spent time in Zambia, I witnessed the beauty of productive households rooted in tradition—spaces where every member had a role that contributed to the well-being and cohesion of the family.

Zambian homes, particularly those that preserved aspects of traditional African values, showcased a sense of harmony that, at first, felt foreign to me. These households thrived on complementarity—men as providers, women as nurturers, and children being actively guided within the framework of their roles. Yet, as I became more immersed in Zambian society, I also began to see how modern feminism has disrupted this balance, bringing both liberation and unforeseen challenges.

The Feminist Revolution: A Redefinition of Roles

Feminism, as a global movement, was intended to equalize opportunities and elevate women from subservience. It sought to break down barriers that confined women to predefined roles, allowing them to pursue education, careers, and self-determination. This revolution was not only timely but necessary, particularly in conservative nations like Zambia, where patriarchal structures often dictated the lives of women.

Yet, as feminism seeped into African societies, its impact became multifaceted. It disrupted traditional norms while introducing new expectations, leaving women to navigate a duality that has proven increasingly difficult. The movement was never about discarding the essence of African culture but about liberating women from oppressive limitations. However, in this pursuit, it has inadvertently shifted the weight of responsibility onto women’s shoulders while many men, untethered from their traditional roles, have become disengaged.

A Dual Burden: The Cost of “Having It All”

In modern Zambia, women are tasked with fulfilling dual roles. As they break barriers in the workplace, academia, and politics, they are still expected to uphold their traditional responsibilities as wives, mothers, and caretakers. This reality is a far cry from the envisioned equality. Instead of shared roles, women have become overburdened, shouldering the weight of both progress and tradition.

This duality manifests in countless ways. A woman might spend her day managing a corporate team or running her business, only to return home and cook, clean, and care for her children. While men once bore the primary responsibility of financial provision, the rise of working women has not been met with a corresponding increase in men’s participation in domestic life.

The Culture of Complacency Among Men

A troubling consequence of this imbalance is the growing culture of complacency among men. In Zambia, there is a noticeable rise in men who lack ambition or drive, content to rely on women as primary breadwinners. This phenomenon is not exclusive to Zambia but is particularly stark in societies transitioning from traditional to modern systems.

Feminism, while empowering women, has inadvertently left some men adrift. Previously, patriarchal systems instilled in men a sense of duty and responsibility as providers. With these expectations eroded, many men have become passive, leaving women to take on roles traditionally reserved for men. This has created a generation of women who are, metaphorically, “men”—breadwinners, decision-makers, and protectors—while men take a backseat.

The Traditional Household: A Model of Symbiosis

The traditional African household, particularly in Zambia, was far from perfect, but it was built on a foundation of balance and mutual respect. Men were the providers, while women nurtured and managed the home. This division, while seemingly rigid, ensured that neither gender was overwhelmed by responsibilities. Women, in particular, were protected from the physical and emotional toll of overburdening themselves.

Within these structures, the household was a unit of shared purpose. Men were responsible for financial security, while women upheld the cultural and emotional fabric of the family. Far from diminishing women, these roles often elevated them as the backbone of the household. Feminism, while rightly critiquing the limitations of such systems, has not yet replaced them with equally supportive frameworks.

The Gains of Feminism

To its credit, feminism has brought undeniable progress to African societies. Women can now access education, build careers, and advocate for their rights without fear of reprisal. The movement has dismantled many harmful practices, such as child marriage and gender-based violence, providing women with greater autonomy and dignity.

Feminism has also expanded the horizons of what women can achieve. From becoming CEOs to political leaders, women in Zambia and beyond are breaking barriers, proving that they are capable of thriving in any arena. These achievements should be celebrated and upheld as a testament to the movement’s success.

Where Feminism Missed the Mark

Despite its successes, modern feminism in Africa has struggled to address the realities of traditional societies. The movement’s Western-centric approach often clashes with the collectivist values of African culture, where community and family roles are deeply embedded.

In its quest for equality, feminism in Zambia has unintentionally created an imbalance. Women are now expected to excel in all areas, from careers to homemaking, while men have largely been absolved of their traditional duties. This was not the liberation women fought for; it is an overcorrection that leaves both genders dissatisfied.

The Way Forward: A Balanced Feminism

For feminism to truly succeed in Africa, it must adapt to the cultural realities of societies like Zambia. This means advocating for shared responsibilities within households, where men and women contribute equitably to both financial and domestic duties. It also means redefining masculinity, encouraging men to reclaim their roles as active participants in family life.

Feminism must be contextualized, respecting the strengths of traditional systems while addressing their flaws. It should not aim to erase culture but to evolve it, creating a society where both men and women thrive together.

Conclusion: Towards a Harmonious Future

The journey of feminism in Africa is far from over. While it has brought liberation and progress, it has also revealed critical gaps that must be addressed. In Zambia, the challenge lies in recalibrating societal roles, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of balance.

The ultimate goal is not for women to become men but for both genders to work in partnership, supporting each other in the shared pursuit of happiness, stability, and success. By embracing a nuanced and culturally relevant feminism, we can build a future where the beauty of traditional values and the promise of modernity coexist harmoniously.