Johnson Ikechukwu, a radio presenter with Vision Africa Radio, Umuahia, and a men’s rights advocate, has voiced his concerns regarding the increasing neglect and silent suffering of men in society. He pointed out the disparity in recognition between mothers and fathers, particularly during Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations. While mothers are widely celebrated, fathers often receive less appreciation, and their contributions frequently go unnoticed. Ikechukwu argues that this societal imbalance perpetuates the silencing of men’s struggles and contributes to the underreporting of abuse they face.
Ikechukwu emphasizes that societal expectations of masculinity often prevent men from openly expressing their emotions and experiences of abuse. Men are expected to be stoic and resilient, regardless of the hardships they endure. This societal pressure creates an environment where men are less likely to seek help or share their vulnerabilities, leading to a cycle of silent suffering. He underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating responsible fathers and positive male role models, particularly on Father’s Day. Instead of solely focusing on criticizing absentee fathers, society should equally acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of men who actively contribute to their families and communities.
The radio presenter and activist calls for a societal shift in perspective, urging families, communities, and the media to play a more active role in acknowledging the contributions and struggles of men. He advocates for the creation of platforms where men can freely express their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule. These platforms would provide a safe space for men to share their challenges, access support, and ultimately dismantle the stigma surrounding male vulnerability.
Ikechukwu highlights the importance of recognizing that men, like women, experience emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical abuse. The expectation of men to remain strong and silent prevents them from acknowledging or reporting these experiences. This silence allows the cycle of abuse to continue, often with devastating consequences. By creating a culture of open communication and support, men can be empowered to break free from these harmful societal expectations and seek help when needed.
Furthermore, he argues that achieving a balance in celebrating both fathers and mothers is essential for building stronger families and healthier communities. Recognizing the unique contributions of both parents creates a more equitable and supportive environment for children to thrive. By valuing and appreciating the roles of both parents, we can foster stronger family bonds and promote gender equality within the family structure. This balance also helps to dismantle harmful stereotypes about masculinity and femininity, promoting healthier relationships between men and women.
Ultimately, Ikechukwu’s message is a call for greater empathy, understanding, and support for men. He seeks to challenge societal norms that perpetuate male silence and suffering, advocating for a more balanced and inclusive approach to recognizing and valuing the contributions of both men and women in society. By creating spaces for open communication and addressing the underlying causes of male neglect and abuse, we can work towards building a more equitable and supportive society for all. This involves challenging traditional gender roles and expectations, promoting healthy expressions of masculinity, and creating a culture where men feel empowered to seek help and support when needed.
