Men Against GBV: How to Fight Misogyny
Gender-based violence (GBV) is not just a women’s issue; it is a social issue that corrodes the foundation of the community. It affects individuals of all genders through mental, emotional, physical, and financial harm. This intentional cruelty is as old as time itself, cutting across all social boundaries.
While headlines often focus on the physical scars, the real battle lies in dismantling the invisible norms that permit this violence to thrive. The time for passive silence is over. Men must step out of the shadows and into the light of accountability.
Are you ready to look past the ingrained stereotypes and see women as full human beings? Here’s how you, as a man, can actively join the movement to challenge the roots of GBV and misogyny in your life and everywhere else.
Manage the media
The media fundamentally shapes human history; it affirms current thought patterns and reinforces stereotypes. The internet acts as an echo chamber for ideas, and algorithms ensure that there is no meaningful discourse, only echoes of similar opinions.
Society invalidates men’s pain and struggles, allowing dangerous ideologies to take root where society fails to intervene. If our feeds and circles place women as objects, removing them from the human experience, perhaps it’s time we take a step back as men and evaluate what women mean to society.
Challenge the norms
Stop the sexist jokes and stereotypes. Sexist culture reinforces itself over time through subtle jokes and stereotypes. Whether it’s in the office, at home, or online, gender roles are prevalent in our lives. They go as far as defining our identity.
Debunking common tropes like female workers being on edge because of their period, or difficult female coworkers being stereotyped. Ask yourself, if the roles were flipped, would men be okay in that position?
Volunteer for a cause
Multiple organisations across Africa dedicate their efforts to preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Organisations such as UN Women and COVAW (Coalition on Violence Against Women) aim to provide women with resources and intervention.
If you’re in a position to, either over the weekends or during your time off, you can offer assistance and get your hands dirty. Any specific set of skills you hone will support the livelihoods of victims. Additionally, every little donation goes a long way.
Unlearning GBV requires consistent, personal action. By intentionally managing the media you consume, challenging casual sexism, and volunteering your time or resources, you actively dismantle the foundations of misogyny.
True strength lies in accountability and empathy. Let your daily choices be the force that truly changes the narrative.
