Being a Man in Nigeria: Perceptions and Realities

"Rigid, gender stereotypical and inequitable ideas about men and women still hold sway in Nigeria. However social expectation and realities may be changing and there is evidence that many men support and practice equitable relationships such as sharing house work and childcare."

This is a key finding outlined in this report, which synthesises the findings of five studies in Nigeria exploring how the culture of masculinity shapes how men see themselves and behave, and its impacts on their health/wellbeing, as well as on their interpersonal and social relationship with women, girls, and society. The studies, and this report, were produced as part of the Voices 4 Change programme (V4C) in Nigeria to better understand men's attitudes and practices to family, community life and relationships, as a way of improving and encouraging more equitable relationships between men and women. The key finding above indicates that while gender inequality is still a reality in Nigeria, there are opportunities for change.

The report is divided into six sections. The first section looks at perceptions of masculinity and femininity in Nigeria, and how they underpin inequitable ideas regarding relationships between men and women. The second section focuses on men and women's behaviour, relationships, and roles, including "support and sanctions men face when they transgress the perceived 'ideal' of masculinity." The third section discusses factors influencing perceptions and behaviours, notably living in conflict, the media, religion and the home and school environments. The fourth section discusses the impact of negative masculinities on men and considers the possible benefits of equitable relationships. The next section presents examples of gender equitable behaviours and attitudes, as well as efforts to promote peaceful and equitable masculinities. The final section offers conclusions and recommendations for researchers, programmers, activists and policymakers.

Overall the series of studies show that widely held ideas about masculinity and femininity are powerful "root causes" of gender inequality - but that it is increasingly being recognised that gender equitable and non-violent masculinities can bring important benefits to both men and women. For example, while men were often associated with such characteristics as being tough, intelligent, fearless, and responsible (while women were said to be driven by their emotions), there were significant counter views that said men should aspire to be peaceful, gentle, loyal, honest, and caring. For communicators, this presents opportunities to influence how men and boys perceive masculinity. "Positive non-violent role models and education for men and boys (as well as women and girls) help ensure better gender equitable attitudes and behaviours. If these behaviours are inculcated in childhood and young adulthood they last into adult life with family wide (and possibly community-wide) benefits."

The studies also looked specifically at traditional practices and violence against women. Respondents in Nigeria overwhelmingly rejected many traditional practices, including female genital mutilation, wife inheritance, harmful widowhood practices, and early marriage. Yet, violence against women and girls is widely tolerated with over two thirds of all respondents agreeing that "a woman should tolerate violence to keep her family together." The prevalence of economic, emotional, sexual and physical intimate partner violence among research participants was very high, yet rarely talked about, due to stigma and shame, distrust of law enforcement institutions, and feelings of fear, insecurity, and social pressure.

One of the studies conducted looked at masculinities in the media. The study found that the media in Nigeria tends to promote stereotypical ideas of men and women, with such portrayals having negative consequences for women and children. Gender equality programmes and existing regulation of the media regarding gender issues are mostly focused on women, thus actively excluding men as agents for social change. However, role models who embody gender equitable ideas and behaviours are present in the media and inspire audiences in their lives. This relates to findings that men acknowledged the important role women can play in alleviating their own stress through their contributions to household economies and decision-making.

Based on the findings, the following overriding recommendations are offered:

• develop and promote alternative images of what it means to be a man in Nigeria;
• promotion positive role models to achieve this change;
• strongly promote the benefits of more gender equal behaviour to men and women;
• use compelling new messages to explain that violence against women is never acceptable, is condemned by most Nigerian women, and is subject to legal and social sanctions; and
• men and boys should be fully involved in gender equality programmes to secure their commitment and support.

Specific recommendations are also offered for the education system, media, development programmes and civil society advocates, religious institutions, and researchers.