Masculinity, femininity causes of gender violence

New research findings have revealed that masculinity and femininity are powerful “root causes” of gender inequality and violence against women in all its forms.

Four separate studies make up the report “Being a Man in Nigeria: Perspectives and Realities” expected to be launched next week by the group, Voices for Change Nigeria (C4C).

Deputy team leader of the organisation, Munirat Ogunlayi noted that the report said rigid gender stereotypes of men and women created individual tensions exhibited in negative social voices and interpersonal conflict and violence.

According to her, at least 70% of men and 50% of women who took part in the study believed men needed to be tough, intelligent, fearless and show no emotion.

Whereas half of all men and women believe a man without an income is “of no value,” said Ogunlayi at a media roundtable in Abuja.

She said realities brought to the fore by the report include increasing economic power of women to take care of home and contribute in ways that can ease pressure on men.