By Sheila Wafula
While there is a need for immediate actions to address femicide, I believe there is also the need to approach the issue more deeply especially how masculinity and rigid gender norms affect the whole issue. Toxic masculinity, which is mostly characterized by the need for dominance, aggression, and control plays a significant role in perpetuating femicide.
In most cases, toxic masculinity is fueled by societal expectations, media portrayals, and peer pressure. This creates a culture where men feel entitled to dominate and control women which in many instances does not end well. This entitlement can escalate into jealousy, possessiveness, and ultimately, violence. We cannot factor out how these societal expectations and rigid gender roles limit men's emotional expression and hinder their ability to seek help or address underlying issues, such as mental health struggles or relationship conflicts.
Challenging these harmful norms is essential for preventing femicide and creating a safer, more equitable society. One crucial strategy involves promoting education programs that encourage critical reflection on masculinity and gender roles from an early age. By integrating these programs into schools, communities, and workplaces, we can foster discussions that challenge traditional notions of masculinity and promote empathy, respect, and non-violence.
Creating spaces for open dialogue and peer support is another effective strategy for engaging men and boys in prevention efforts. Peer support networks provide opportunities for men to discuss issues related to masculinity, relationships, and gender-based violence in a supportive environment. These discussions promote mutual learning and accountability.
If we want to get to the grass root of the problem in this case femicide, the need to teach boys about healthy masculinity from an early age cannot be overstated. By doing this, we can create a generation that can talk about the issues they are facing and can handle rejection.
Through empowering men and boys to reject violence and embrace healthy and positive masculinity, we not only create safer environments for women and girls but also foster healthier relationships and communities for all. It is through collective efforts, that we can create a future where femicide is no longer a tragic reality.
Let us commit to teaching the next generation of men to uphold values of equality and respect, ensuring a world where every life is valued and protected. Let us break the chain!
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