Gender inequality - boys and men are victims too

What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Gender Inequality’? Most commonly it is used to discuss discrimination against women. But are women the only ones impacted by gender inequality?

Ever since I understood gender inequality, I have pushed only for women's rights. Like me, most people still consider gender issues as women’s issues. But men also face the brunt of gender inequality in various forms.

After spending time and listening to my father, brother and male friends, I realised that stereotyping and defined gender roles impact the quality of life of men and boys as well.

The common stereotypes men face are:

1. Being self-sufficient
2. Looking attractive without effort or makeup
3. Acting tough, not being vulnerable
4. Always in control and sometimes showing aggression 
5. Hypersexuality

The media has a huge influence in setting expectations from men. Gary Barker, CEO and co-founder of Promundo has classified the media portrayal of men into three media models:

1. The Fast and the Furious: Using aggression to solve problems.

2. Star Trek: Repressing your emotions.

3. The Dark Knight: Isolating yourself and becoming emotionally withdrawn.

Dr. Gram did a study that looked at the development of gender stereotypes in early adolescence as a part of the  Global Early Adolescent Study. He found that “gender straightjackets” ' – that boys are aggressors and girls are weak – are harmful to both boys and girls.

This stereotype impacts men later in their life with serious consequences. Men and boys should be included in the conversations and studies related to gender issues. Early-age involvement is always better.

Dr Robert Blum of the Global Early Adolescent study commented, “There are those who see this as a zero-sum game—that if you acknowledge the importance of men and boys, it is diminishing the importance of women and girls. But this is not a zero-sum game at all.”

Final Note: Gender equality is Goal 5 of the UN’s17 Sustainable Development Goals. To reach the goal, we need a mindset and generational shift. We need to focus on issues faced by all genders: men, women, and other identities.