The 19th of November every year has been marked as the global celebration of international men’s day. It is a day mapped out to celebrate men all over the world while using this medium to bring attention to the plight of men (old and young) in the world.
The conversation about the plight of men does not gather the kind of attention as that of women. Arguments could ensue as to the fact that both genders are not the same, hence they should be treated unequally. While this is so, the continued neglect or loss of interest in the plight of men has resulted in the rise of vices that affect men around the world.
For instance, the World Health Organization records that twice as many men die from suicide as females. Also in Africa, men and boys also hold a high record of sexual abuse, but the media’s focus on women and girls makes it close to impossible for people to know that such exists.
On the other hand, you have ministries, government agencies, NGOs and other organizations focused on the issues bothering women and girls, but just a handful are focused on the issues that bother men. This is the negligence that makes the issues bothering men look like they are not worth the attention of the world.
And that is why men and young boys die in silence. That is why they hide their problems, dealing with them until it consumes them. The reasons for this negligence cut across various societal and legal standards which have made it difficult for men to freely access the amenities which are available to women and girls. Some of them include the following:
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Societal standards on the nature of man.
Most social standards have you believing that men are stronger creatures and thus, they are meant to be tough and fend for themselves and the women. Most women would have you believe that if a man is not wealthy or rich, he does not deserve the attention he craves from them, pilling up the pressure for a man to work twice as hard for virtually anything a woman would get.
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Legal or government-oriented policies.
Most legal provisions on sexual abuse do not provide for the punishment against a woman that sexually abuses a man. Most crimes being committed against men by women have the latter suffering a lesser sentence than what the former would suffer if the tables are turned. Also, the fact that women and girls are given more attention with regard to empowerment, social amenities and resources than men do not make the field level enough for men to thrive. This restriction has men working twice as hard to achieve what they need.
As we mark International Men’s day today, let us not just celebrate men but use this medium to call the global attention of the international community and governments to the plights and struggles of men in society. While women and girls are important to national growth, the presence of stable and empowered males will be the perfect icing on the cake.
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