“A lot of men are up in arms at the mention of feminism because they feel endangered by its impact. Even though feminism is primarily about fighting for equal rights for women, it benefits men equally. It supports the idea of men not having to succumb to the societal pressures of being the fender, the bread winner and someone with superhuman strength as much as it advocates that women be allowed to break out of stereotypes”. Emma Watson in her #HeForShe speech in UN.
Feminism is not ‘anti-male’ as much as ‘anti-feminist’ attempt to paint it. It is a known fact that life expectancy in Nigeria as it relates to Men is on a steady decline which is mostly attributed to the societal stereotypes of the Mans role in the family. Apart from God giving permanent biological roles giving to women and men alike, there is absolutely nothing wrong with an African Man having a supporting wife. Yes, the woman might be a weak and less powerful gender in the face of masculinity, but everything those not boil down to physical strength.
Majority of African men carry this unfounded prejudice towards women especially towards female feminist, forgetting that women no matter their level of equality with their male counterpart are the force that shapes the kind of men the society will have.
Let me drive my point down home by stating this; if equal opportunities in terms of Education and exposure are provided to the girl child, the society will be better for it. A typical example is the Almajiri menace in Northern Nigeria. People consider women children breeding machines with no plan on how to provide for such children. In most cases the mothers are uneducated and you definitely cannot give what you don’t have.
If these women were given same opportunities as their male counterpart and are empowered economically, they would not have the label of ‘Property’ rather they’ll be ‘assets’ to their husbands, children and the society at large. In the long run helping to shape better and well equipped men for the future of our dear country.
Men think women as a gender are vindictive, and live to be little men. Feminism is not a case of what a man can do a woman can do better, but a case of what a man can do a man should do; and what a woman can do a woman should do. By extension, if what a man can do is not done because the man for some reason is unable to do it.
The woman should do and vice versa. A man and his wife are a team. In a football match if No. 9 is unable to score a goal for the team, the other team members can score for the team. It is a team victory.
Feminism doesn't hurt men, it helps them in more ways than they can imagine. It will only look like it hurts men who have very low self esteem and big egos to compliment their lack of maturity.
------By JIM
Men really need to read this very interesting piece, I have followed from part 1... The definition Nigerians attach to feminism is so so wrong. Good work Jim. Keep it coming people need to be enlightened.
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