Sinokubonga Nkala
Taygeta Zihwi, [email protected]
IN Zimbabwe, gender equality has long been associated with women’s rights, but an emerging crisis is shedding light on the struggles that men face in silence. While much attention has been given to women’s empowerment and gender-based violence against women, a growing number of Zimbabwean men are falling victim to abuse and neglect, yet their suffering remains largely unspoken of.
In my role as a community psychologist, I have witnessed the profound impact this has on men, particularly in rural areas, where traditional gender expectations and the stigma surrounding male vulnerability create an environment where men feel they cannot seek help.
Zimbabwean society, like many others, has long reinforced the idea that men must be strong, enduring, and the primary breadwinners. This deeply ingrained notion of masculinity pressures men to conform to roles that often leave them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. When they experience abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, many men are reluctant to speak out due to the fear of being labelled weak or emasculated. The idea that men should always be in control prevents them from acknowledging their suffering, and this toxic silence only compounds the mental health challenges they face.
One of the most alarming consequences of this silence is the rise in suicide rates among men. In Zimbabwe, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This stark reality highlights the severity of the problem. Men often experience intense pressure from societal expectations, financial burdens, and abusive relationships. When they fail to meet these expectations or are subjected to emotional trauma, they may see suicide as the only escape from their pain. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly for men, exacerbates this issue, as seeking help is often perceived as a sign of weakness.
In many cases, men are also victims of domestic abuse, a reality that is frequently overlooked by both society and authorities. While women are rightfully seen as victims of domestic violence, the experiences of men in abusive relationships are often dismissed. Many men suffer in silence, unable to seek legal or social support because of the prevailing belief that men cannot be victims. This failure to recognise and address male victimhood contributes to the emotional distress that drives some men to despair.
To address these growing concerns, there is a critical need for a more inclusive approach to gender equality, one that acknowledges the struggles of both men and women.
Public campaigns and educational programmes must be implemented to raise awareness about male victims of abuse and the importance of mental health support for men.
Men need to be empowered to seek help without fear of judgment, and society must be educated to challenge traditional norms that restrict emotional expression.
Creating safe spaces for men to share their experiences without shame is essential to curbing the rising rates of suicide and domestic abuse.
In addition to raising awareness, there must be concerted effort to provide equal support for male victims of domestic violence. Legal frameworks and social services should be designed to ensure that men have access to the same protection and assistance as women.
Shelters, counselling, and legal aid should be made readily available for men who find themselves trapped in abusive relationships.
Furthermore, mental health support must become a priority for men in Zimbabwe. Counselling services should be more accessible, and there should be specialised programmes to address the unique challenges men face.
The growing crisis of male suicide calls for urgent intervention, with public and private sectors working together to ensure that men can seek help without fear of stigma.
Communities must work together to dismantle harmful gender norms. Educators, community leaders, and parents must be equipped with the tools to foster emotional intelligence in boys from an early age.
By promoting emotional expression, empathy, and communication, we can equip the next generation of men with the skills they need to cope with life’s challenges in a healthy way.
Gender equality, at its core, is about freeing individuals from the constraints of restrictive roles, allowing both men and women to live authentic and fulfilling lives.
The rising crisis of male abuse and suicide in Zimbabwe calls for collective action. It is time to break the silence and ensure that the struggles of men are recognised, not as an afterthought, but as a critical component of the conversation on gender equality. Only when we address the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of all individuals, regardless of gender, can we build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without fear or shame.
l Taygeta Zihwi is a registered Community Psychologist intern. She can be reached on [email protected] or +263779781909.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
