Let’s be honest, gender equality has gotten a bad rap in some circles—especially among men who think it’s some elaborate plot to disadvantage them. Like a rigged football match where men are suddenly the underdogs. But is that really the case?
A staggering 42% of men (according to research from the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation) believe workplace gender equality strategies ignore men. That’s almost half of the male population feeling sidelined! But here’s the twist—gender equality is actually good for men too. In fact, it’s in men’s best interest to get on board.
Why? Because Patriarchy is the biggest scam of all time.
Nigeria and the Gender Equation
Nigeria, like many parts of the world, operates within a gender-unequal framework. The numbers don’t lie. Just take a look at our political landscape, the decision-making rooms of our economy, and even our everyday social interactions. There’s a clear pattern—men calling the shots while women struggle for a seat at the table. This system didn’t build itself; it has been maintained for years by the way men think, act, and interact.
Many men assume gender inequality is a “women’s issue.” We hear about how it disadvantages women—how they face barriers in employment, leadership, and even basic autonomy over their lives. But flip the coin, and you’ll see something else: men’s advantage. Privilege.
The Thing About Male Privilege
Let’s talk about male privilege. It’s not some abstract, philosophical concept reserved for academic discussions. It’s personal. It’s everyday life. It’s when a man speaks in a meeting and is automatically taken more seriously than his female colleague saying the same thing. It’s when a father works late nights, and society applauds his dedication, but a mother doing the same is judged for “neglecting her children.” It’s the unspoken, invisible advantages that smoothen a man’s journey while women face roadblocks at every turn.
And let’s not pretend we’re all saints here. Most men—me included—have, at some point, left household chores to women without thinking twice, expected emotional labour from women without reciprocating, or dismissed women’s contributions without realizing it. Not all men are equally privileged, of course. A poor man in Ajegunle isn’t riding the same privileged train as an oil magnate in Ikoyi. But even in poverty, a man is more likely to be listened to, respected, and granted leadership than a woman in the same condition.
The Unseen Burden of Male Privilege
Here’s the kicker: even when men aren’t actively sexist, we still benefit from an unequal system. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we walk through doors that were held open by centuries of societal biases in our favor. But do these advantages come without cost? Not at all.
Rigid masculinity comes with its own prison bars. The pressure to be “strong” and “in control” leaves many men suffering in silence. We are taught to suppress our emotions, making it harder to form deep, meaningful relationships. We die younger, suffer from untreated mental health issues, and are expected to carry financial burdens alone.
Why Men Should Champion Gender Equality
So, why should men care? Simple—because fairness is a virtue, and equality benefits everyone. Gender equality means breaking free from outdated definitions of masculinity that pressure men into unhealthy lifestyles. It means creating workplaces where men can take paternity leave without being ridiculed. It means raising boys who aren’t afraid to express their feelings and encouraging men to build relationships based on respect rather than dominance.
Gender equality isn’t a battle between men and women; it’s about reworking a flawed system that ultimately harms us all. If we make progress, women will have better lives. And so will men.
So, to my bros out there, let’s rethink our stance. Fighting for gender equality isn’t about losing power—it’s about gaining a better, more balanced life for everyone.
