For decades, the global conversation on gender equality has primarily focused on women – their rights, their representation, and their lived experiences. However, a critical shift is happening. The more we delve into this crucial topic, the more apparent it becomes: we cannot champion women and girls without addressing the roles and challenges faced by men and boys. True progress towards dismantling patriarchy means confronting the pain it inflicts on everyone, regardless of gender. This article explores the emerging realities of men’s struggles in the modern world and why their inclusion is vital for genuine equality.
- Men are lagging behind in education and employment in many Western nations.
- Traditional male roles as sole providers are becoming unsustainable.
- This creates confusion, pressure, and impacts relationships.
- Nigeria’s unique context highlights the urgency of these issues.
- New initiatives are emerging to engage men in the equality dialogue.
The Shifting Educational Landscape
It’s a truth that’s hard to ignore anymore: across countries like the United States and the UK, data consistently shows girls now have the upper hand in education. From early learning right through to secondary school, they’re often outperforming their male peers. This trend continues into higher education, where women are increasingly outnumbering men in universities. This isn’t just about getting good grades; it’s a significant indicator of future opportunities.
Economic Pressures on Modern Men
The economic picture for men is also undergoing a dramatic transformation. In the United States, for instance, data from the Congressional Research Service revealed a stark reality: between 1979 and 2019, the average earnings for men actually dipped by about three percent. Meanwhile, women’s wages saw a significant rise of nearly twenty-nine percent during the same period. The situation is equally concerning in the UK, where the Office for National Statistics reports that a staggering one in seven young men are not engaged in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). This paints a picture of widespread economic uncertainty for a large segment of the male population.
Nigeria: A Microcosm of Global Trends
Nigeria, a nation with the largest Black population globally, offers a compelling case study for these evolving dynamics. A report from the public strategy group, Gatesfield, estimates that a remarkable seventy percent of women in low-income households are the primary breadwinners. This reality challenges traditional gender roles head-on. Furthermore, Nigeria leads the continent in sports betting, with millions of young men channeling their hopes for financial stability into betting slips – a symptom of limited traditional economic avenues.
The Unravelling of Traditional Masculinity
For generations, a man’s identity was intrinsically linked to his ability to provide and protect. His worth was measured by his success in earning and maintaining a household. However, as women increasingly achieve economic independence, this age-old definition of masculinity is rapidly becoming obsolete. This rapid cultural shift leaves many men feeling confused and pressured, contributing to a quiet epidemic affecting mental well-being and straining intimate relationships.
The Impact on Relationships
The economic instability faced by men has tangible consequences for relationships. Sociologists Pilar Gonalons-Pons and Markus Gangl found in a 2021 study that when men experience unemployment, the likelihood of marital separation increases by over 30 percent, particularly in societies that still strongly uphold the male-breadwinner ideal. This instability doesn’t just affect the individuals involved; it often places a heavy burden on women, who must navigate both the financial repercussions and the social stigma associated with relationship breakdowns.
The Rise of the Nigerian Manosphere
Within Nigeria, the urgency of these issues is amplified. A 2025 report by The Republic shed light on the emergence of the “Nigerian manosphere.” This informal network of influencers often blends self-help and dating advice with outright misogynistic ideologies. Within these circles, blame for men’s frustrations is frequently shifted onto women, fostering cycles of resentment and unfortunately, normalizing harmful attitudes.
A New Approach: MENtality with Ebuka
Recognizing that genuine gender equality requires the active participation of men and boys, initiatives are emerging to address these complex issues. The She Tank, an organization dedicated to women’s empowerment, understood this necessity. Their previous campaign, #HerMoneyHerPower, successfully sparked a national conversation about financial independence, reaching over a billion people. However, it also highlighted a crucial gap: the need for men to be actively involved in these discussions.
Bringing Men into the Conversation
These insights inspired a groundbreaking collaboration: MENtality with Ebuka. This podcast, hosted by one of Nigeria’s most respected media personalities, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and featuring cultural icon Banky Wellington, aims to foster candid conversations about modern masculinity. Developed by The She Tank Studios in partnership with Empire Mates Entertainment and produced by JM Films, the show features an all-male lineup exploring themes like money, relationships, fatherhood, and even the complexities of ‘incel’ culture. It’s a bold experiment in creating a safe space for men to share their experiences, while carefully navigating the line to ensure these discussions don’t reinforce harmful narratives.
Faith and Masculinity
Intentionally woven into the fabric of MENtality is the role of faith. Religion has historically been used to perpetuate inequality, with certain interpretations demanding submission and authority without accountability. Yet, when approached with a different lens, sacred texts can be a source of healing and understanding. Jesus himself, for example, embodied a masculinity characterized by both strength and compassion – he wept, he served, and he treated women as equals in a society that did not.
The Broader Vision
MENtality represents The She Tank’s commitment to a global vision where gender equality is not just a policy matter, but an integrated part of everyday culture. While #HerMoneyHerPower challenged perceptions of women and finances, MENtality seeks to re-examine the evolving identity and purpose of men in today’s world. This is about fostering a more balanced and equitable future for everyone.
Omakwu, Esq is a Women’s Equality Evangelist, Lawyer, and Storyteller.
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