Week 2: Masculinities and religious and cultural norms

[Angie]

This so educative, if the community and all church mother bodies will venture into such research the problem will be sorted out faster.

[MAYBIN]

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL NORMS

In my Church, Catholic, women are not allowed to serve as priests instead the can only serve as nuns. These nuns are not allowed to preach. Infact the nuns are supposed to be submissive to the priests hence this situation has been put in a position which makes them vulnerable to any sort of abuse. When it comes to our cultural norms women are not allowed to own land instead need to depend on the land of her husband. A man is regarded as provider for the family hence once he dies the wife suffers because of this dependency on a man syndrome. Some parts of the chicken are preserved for a man and if a woman dares to eat them she might even be granted a divorce.
The stereotypes have only ended up in opresssion and making one gender not enjoy their rights and freedoms. The situation has lead to one gender remain behind in terms of development. For instance our norms which do not allow women and girls to speak before men has continued to hinder this gender to be part of decision making process.
In addressing this problem, it is important for parents of this generation to ensure the share house chores between boys and girls equally by being gender blind. Parents should ensure both gender are given equal opportunities

[Angie]

I agree with you Maybin
And you know these very practice of saying Men are the providers has lead to high rate of deaths to the male counterpart. You find that this man has fathered 12 children and they all depend on one source of income which is the man hence pressure mounting and lead to unnecessary diseases eventually death and after their death the lady now will suffer due to lack of experience in fending for the family. I feel the subject of gender equity and equality be understood by all so that we weed off stress from each other.

The old women are also a problem, especially here in Zambia, they are the ones who are in the forefront counseling young brides to be submissive to their husbands and always be quiet when their husbands are talking. They are also told to be giving the whole chicken except for the trotters and neck to the husband.

[Busi_Ngcebetsha]

Hello everyone

This week is quite interesting. I also realise that besides just cultural norms, religion plays a big role as well.

It is really surprising that there are so many similarities in the cultural and religious norms from different countries. Also surprising that there are still countries that believe women cannot preach to men. This is strange as some pointed out most people you will find in church are women. I was even more surprised to hear some of the broadcasters on our WhatsApp group supporting or believing that idea of women not allowed to be in church leadership nor preach to men.

I am looking at the way girls education is not a priority in our countries.

@Pmphaka

In many cultures in Malawi, when a family has fewer resources, and they have to choose whom to send to school between their boy and girl-child, they prefer to send the boy. They believe that the boy child would bring a better return on their investment since the boy will remain in the village (patriarchial system) and support his parents when they get old instead of the girl child who will get married and go to live with her husband away from her family.

@AnjelinaMkabili

The belief that a girl child can not be sent to school just because she will be married still exist also in Kenya where they think only boy child will be the one to help the family after school something which mostly doesn’t happen.

More is expected of women, seemingly they never live a life of their own, as girls there are norms and rules they have to follow, as married women, they cannot voice out their opinions

@Angie

women are not allowed to head a home, they are supposed to listen quietly when the husband is speaking

@Dominic01

In Zambia communities,women are expected to be obedient to their men and also not to challenge or to disagree with their views.

@Angie

The old women are also a problem, especially here in Zambia, they are the ones who are in the forefront counseling young brides to be submissive to their husbands and always be quiet when their husbands are talking.

There is a need for an intervention but what can be done?

@Dominic01

Educate Society that it has to include each one in the society ( by considering all gender) no matter is one has less power in order to progress

@Mailaprid

traditional leaders such as chiefs and headmen should be educated on issues to do with gender equality and also assisted with the resource capacity.

@MAYBIN

it is important for parents of this generation to ensure the share house chores between boys and girls equally by being gender blind. Parents should ensure both gender are given equal opportunities

We are still expecting to hear from others.

Cheers

[Busi_Ngcebetsha]

@Yondab @Mamsul @Betty @Bintispark @Cornhill @Dave @Esau @Francyn @Gideon @Kebby @Liche @likomenocaleb94 @Max @Naomi @Shatewa @Thandy

We are waiting on you to contribute in this week’s topic. Do not miss the chance to earn a certificate at the end of it all.

[Rosemond9600]

I used to have a farmers association when ever there is a meeting the women are separated from the men simply because they are not the same. And sorry to say; this said group are Muslims so the female farmers were not allowed to share idea during the discussion. So anytime we want to have discussion with them , the women are separated. We realized that and confronted the men . They tried to convince us but my crew and I made them understand the benefits of allowing the women to express themselves. So yes in some communities it is still there. Women are looked down but I think the media is the key to break this. Thank you

[Eraston]

1 Corinthians 14vs 33b As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. 35 If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached? (1 Corinthians 14:33b-36; Revised Standard Version [RSV])

In other believes there has been the contention as to whether or not women should be involved in church leadership. Majority of denominations involve women one way or the other but some, especially among the mission churches, they still believe that women has certain role to play in church

[Esau]

Hello everyone,
This is my contribution considering the ongoing topic.

In Tanzania men are considered as family leaders, protector, and final decision maker.
Once a father decide in a family no one could question or even ask.
In most agrarian societies women are only engaged in production level but not on deciding how to use what they’ve produced.
But also women are desciminated in the right of owning properties, in some societies women are not allowed to own any property, even to have share if she lost her husband.
In religious issues, it’s true some religions restrict women’s to perform several activities within the church example being pastor or to lead a mass, although there are other religions which are now empowering women’s to take high positions in their churches.

[Pmphaka]

Hello everybody,

This week’s topic has brought to light the fact that oppression of women is deeply rooted in both culture and religion. We all agree that this blatant oppression, this violation of women’s rights need to be addressed, and it needs to be addressed now. My take is that the majority of women oppressors and violators of women rights do it without knowing that they are perpetuating a human (women) right violation since culture and religion practice or promote them as normal.

As broadcasters, we have a very big role to play. We need to recognise that the demeaning of the women and girls’ folk happens because of different reasons. There are those who do it because everyone around them is doing it and there are those who are doing it because culture or religion demands that they act that way. Our strategy to end this evil should, therefore, be specifically targeted. We need different approaches to dealing with it. One of them is simply AWARENESS. As broadcasters, we need to have programmes that make our listeners aware of the different practices and behaviours that violate women’s and girls’ rights. When people are aware of what needs to be done, a good number of them will oblige.

Another strategy should be aimed at those who defend practices that demean women and girls and violate their rights. The latter is very important but more difficult. It is like fighting in a war, and nobody fights a war without some people getting hurt. Those who feel that they might lose something if the culture or religion changed in favour of women’s and girls’ rights, will fight to the very end to preserve the status quo. Are we ready to stand up to them? If ‘yes’ let us plan to start doing something to that end, beginning on this year’s Women’s Day. Thereafter, let us make everyday Women’s Day in our programming. Remember, it is not always supposed to be a fight or a war, some people simply need information, awareness.

[Mulala]

My name is Mulala, below is the response to the wk 2 questions

1. What are the religious and cultural norms regarding men and women’s roles (household, community) in your region?

√ Men, just as well as Women should lead by example showing Good manners, decency, respect, appropriateness, a decent life, exercising common interests or hobbies to build friendship are all examples of social and moral norms.

2. What are some stereotypes coming from these roles, and how can they be harmful to individuals and communities?
   √ boys must not show emotions in public (crying is a sign of weakness), with so many suicide cases on a rise in Zambia, boys are losing lives to the vice because of bottled up emotions, no support system was to express the hurt one feels for fear of ridicule.

3. How can we advocate for men to be more involved in sharing (unpaid) care responsibilities more equally? (e.g. domestic duties including raising children from birth)
   √ learning skills and participating in chores from a young age, esp. for boys prepares one to be a responsible father and partner and makes the man appreciate and regard the woman as an equal partner.

[Denis]

Hello everyone
It is indeed an interesting topic that we are having this week on positive masculinities and zeroing in on religious and cultural norms. For a long time, culture has been used to justify certain practices even if those practices violate the rights of other people. Male dominance in all spheres of is regarded as doing things in line with culture. Men and (society in general) consider certain practices as fit for men. For instance, when someone dies in a family, it is women and girls who are expected to cry. Men and boys are not expected to cry since doing so is regarded as a sign of of weakness.

Another common example has got to do with allocating roles. Suppose there is a community meeting and twenty people have arrived. The meeting is supposed to commence. This is how the roles are generally allocated. The chairing is given to the man and the minuting is given to a woman. The reason being that women have a good handwriting and men are good at controlling things. Such practices are supported by even the women themselves. It is important to change such narratives by encouraging women to take up roles that are mainly considered to be men’s area of expertise. Women and girls ought to make their voices heard and challenge certain practices not just by word of mouth but by the actions themselves.

[Busi_Ngcebetsha]

Hello everyone

Today is the last day of Week 2. make sure you have played your part by contributing and commenting on other people’s posts.

In case you are not on our WhatsApp group, let me share what is happening that side, the first person was responding to what I shared from the French e-discussion:

[03/03, 08:40] Ngwenya Denis: Very good write up here which brings out the issues as they are without sugar coating. I see a number of similarities between the communities in the Francophone region and ours here in the south of Sahara.

A notable similarity is the issue of the girl being compelled to recognise her younger brother as “brother”. It is the same here. A woman must recognise the role of the male sibling whether old or younger than her. The reason being that the male sibling has the power to preside over talks about his sister’s marriage but never vice versa. Because of that the boy child is always superior to the girl child even if the girl is 15 years older than the boy.

Another similarity is the issue of food. The “men” only food. In certain tribes here, women are expected to serve their husbands “certain” pieces of meat like chicken “thighs and backs” that are exclusively for men. It is a taboo for a woman to slaughter a chicken and allocate the “back” to herself. Doing such a thing is considered a serious act of misconduct and disrespect towards the “head” of the family

[03/03, 15:38] Sk Sonke G Justice: Dear all

Hope you are doing well

Always good to engage on this issue every time and again because transformation takes time. Most of people resist change because the have a fear of unknown. Religion and Culture contribute in gender in equalities because men an women have certain roles in this system E.g. in church settings, men sit together and women and children sit together on one side. Men always take leadership in church being Priests/ Pastor or and position of power in church. There are very few churches that promote gender equality even those churched are doing enough due to the pressure others. The bible itself promote or have wonderful stories about men. As Ruth Banda indicated, this makes men think the are the most superior than women. In terms culture, we all know that culture is important because it guides you but culture is also big problem when it come to gender equality, in fact I do believe that most of cultures promote or support men’s power in deferent ways. Let’s begin to do an introspection because most of Men they don’t even know that they are the perpetrator of GBV. They thing they are doing good thing as they follow the principle of their culture. Let’s begin to fight Gender Base Violence by being starting in our selves family, friends and beyond. Thank to those participating and looking forward to more engagement. Allutta Continua

[03/03, 18:09] +254 716 782807: As I always tell my listener! GBV is a fight for everyone in the society! Others think that there are specific people who should fight GBV while we are all called to fight! When we start from us then our family and friends as people who surround us we will achieve!

[03/03, 20:03] +265 996 96 18 11: To say the truth other churches are the one who like to say that , women have no choice and their role is to follow and obey their husband. So to this it shows as the power is with men not women. Thas why they like to say I am the head of this family. In the communities they also say that boys must not cry during the finals saying that only girls may cry . so l see that some of our culture and believes are making power to men and boys than women and girls. I think we have a lot to do on GBV through our programes inorder to achieve our goals.

[03/03, 20:10] Patel Zim In SA: True ,the fight for GBV is everywhere and i guess the number we have here is good to help in the fight aganist GBV ,Together we can speak up against GBV in our respective stations

[03/03, 20:13] Ruth Banda Radio Explorer: Coming to gender inequalities among women in Zambia we still have a long way to do because we believe men are leaders in everything and also the head of the family and the role of women and children is to follow what a man say and find themselves in kitchens, for a example in eastern part of Zambia Petauke district to be specific a make can not even make a bed in the morning because it is the responsibility of a women and coming to traditional and norms if you don’t perform certain things you’re regarded to very useless even among your fellow women at the end of the day a woman will feel that men are better people to lead.

[03/03, 20:18] Ruth Banda Radio Explorer: We also have a issue of Female Genital Mutilation not even ministers have come out to talk about the same thing for now it is regarded as normal but we forget that girls are traumatized mentally and physically

[03/03, 20:28] +254 759 732332: I think it’s becoming difficult for FGM to end because people in the society are not fully working together to end it,no matter the NGO’s are trying but you can find parents will hide till they would make sure that it is done to their children just because of negative beliefs, something which lead to early marriages ,and you can find that girls getting married earlier does not well understand the roles as wife ,and they will end up passing through violence

[03/03, 20:33] +254 759 732332: True, as they say Charity begins at home

[03/03, 20:39] +254 716 782807: In Kenya churches have come out to fight fgm. A big step has been taken. Only some few characters within some few communities ongoing with it but secretly. This is something I fight on microphone encouraging any victim or witness to report it. FGM is archaic! Torments the mind and lowers female dignity

[03/03, 20:57] Busi N: Good evening

I am following the discussion with interest. I noticed from last night that it got hotter especially with regards religion.

There is democracy in other countries and that means we can safely say we might be moving towards gender equality or 50/50 even if it is just on paper and not in practice. In this instance, it does not mean you do not acknowledge the head of a household. I am referring to the head of the household as someone who takes decision in that particular household. We may have households where both husband and wife share equal decision making positions and I will not refer to the household head as the breadwinner as there are instances where the husband may be in between jobs and only the wife is working. I am saying this to show that we have different scenarios, families that embrace equality and those that do not. This is also the case when it comes to religion. We have different kinds of religious beliefs, if we talk of christianity alone we have the tradional churches like your Roman Catholics or Methodist, and the pentecostal churches. These different kinds have their own set of rules or norms when it comes to men and women with the traditional churches more stricter than the pentecostal in terms of the role of women in church. I see in our discussion that there are countries that do not allow women to speak in church but in some countries you may find a pentecostal church that is led by a woman. Churches will always tell you there is no democracy when it comes to the things of God but even so women may be allowed to be part of leadership and be part of decision making in church even though they will make it clear that as a woman, your head is your husband.

With all this I feel like women never live their lives. As girls they are under their fathers authority and as married grown ups the husband becomes the father figure, in some homes, the wife needs the permission of the husband to go somewhere, she cannot just report that she is going. The good thing about the churches is they encourage husbands to love their wives and when you love something you value it. I believe it is the same religion that can play a bigger role in making sure men work together with women as partners rather than as oppressors.

Thank you to all who are sharing and our resource people like @⁨Sk Sonke G Justice⁩ who shared the experiences in their countries.

[03/03, 21:07] +254 716 782807: I agree! Others churches are so strict that women roles are well outlined and that women can not perform certain activities but only support! I.e catholic church does not allow women (nuns) to pastors in parishes but nuns are free to head different departments without oppression. I have seen nuns heading big hospitals, Communication departments, Education etc. This creates a platform to include both gender for the service of the community and glory to God.

[03/03, 22:15] Ngwenya Denis: I need to be enlightened about this FGM thing coz in my country I haven’t heard it being performed. Even if it is done then it should be in a very small scale and probably performed in very remote areas.

I have heard that those who do it, their intention is to reduce a girl’s libido so that she does not cheat with other men in the absence of her husband when she marries. I’m reliable informed that when FGM is performed on the girl, the most “sensitive parts” are cut off making the girl disabled because she won’t have any feelings for a man. If it is true, I honestly think it’s a serious violation because one cannot perform such a thing on the woman alone.

To those who practice it, why don’t they perform a similar practice on men so that they also not cheat when they are away from their wives??

[03/03, 22:17] +254 716 782807: The last statement

[03/03, 22:20] +254 716 782807: FGM is just because of few lazy people holding unto ancient culture that does not help in anything but only exposing girls to mutilation and cutting shot their great dreams

[03/03, 22:26] Esau2: In Tanzania it was mostly practiced in pastoral societies, eg maasai, kurya etc. As you said it’s true, it was believed by removing that organ it helps a woman to be loyal to her husband. Even if the man will be absent for years.

The government used a lot of effort to educate these societies and atleast most of them are educated now they’re no longer practicing such thing but there are few who still do secretly

[03/03, 22:28] +254 716 782807: And the few are the ones pulling the society back! So unfortunate

[03/03, 22:31] Esau2: Yes, example in the end of last year it was reported by government officials caught a woman who still practicing FGM to young girls

[03/03, 22:38] +254 716 782807: If those who perform are made to face the consequences and they do away with the practice then our girls will be safe. Just like alcohol~if the producers stop producing then the society stops consuming alcohol.

[03/03, 22:45] +260 97 7812468: Honestly speaking if you read through religion doctrine you will realize that women and girls holds an inferior position, and this has been from time in memorial. Speaking for some of us who are Christians you will realise that from the mosaic laws women have never been favoured. Somehow our African culture and religious practises speak similar language in terms of how men and womwn should behave or conduct themselves

[03/03, 22:46] Esau2: Yeah sure, and the good thing is almost everyone now is aware of the effects of FGM so it’s easy to fight against

[03/03, 22:48] Esau2: That’s true,but am not sure if there were no women’s who engaged in religious issues am sure they’re, but they’re not recognized, even in bible there are few to mention eg, ESTHER, JUDITH,

[03/03, 23:00] +260 97 7812468: True those outstanding women like Esther did great things but not much recognised women you compate with the men folks. Otherwise Esther was a very intelligent and gifted woman

[03/03, 23:15] Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: Dear all,

The interplay between religion and culture in gender inequalities is very important. These two seems to compliment each other in most gender stereotyping, it thus, complicate people’s acceptance of the definition of gender thereof.

For instance, most African cultures do not give women leadership opportunities, and then, some religions assert this with doctrines that projects the man as head and the women as a tail!!

Most situations that provoke GBV emanates emanates from these beliefs.

Cultural norms that makes the relationship between men and women as that of “Commander and Servant”, are precursors to GBV.

[03/03, 23:42] Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: Yes, @⁨Busi N⁩. I agree with you that, the “head of the family” assertion may not in all scenarios amount undermining women’s role. Some women are also heads of families in some jurisdictions.

In today’s economic climate, women play many roles in the bread and butter affairs of families. The problem however, is the fact that they are not recognized even if they play such roles.

In Ghana for example, there is an old saying that, “even if a woman buys a gun, it will still hang on the man’s shoulders”. This means that, even if a woman does it, the man should eventually be credited. It’s very popular stereotyping…

[03/03, 23:49] Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: @⁨AMkabili⁩, I like you first paragraph. It is equally important that, girls are also raised to understand that, men are not supposed to be the sole breadwinners. Most of the negative masculinities we see are as a result of the belief that, it is the sole responsibility of the man to provide for the family. Naturally, when it happens, the men tends to demand so much respect to the detriment of the woman.

[03/04, 05:10] +260 97 2484043: 33bAs in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. 35 If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached? 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36;

This research seeks to interpret 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 in relation to women participation in church leadership. In other denomination, there has been the contention as to whether or not women should be involved in church leadership. Majority of denominations involve women one way or the other but some, especially among the mission churches, still believe that the leadership of the church should not be made open to women, basing the doctrine on the 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36. The aim of this essay therefore is to examine the text with a view to assessing its relevance for women’s participation in church leadership with a focus on contemporary

[03/04, 06:32] +265 995 55 39 51: Men can’t cheat

[03/04, 09:13] +254 759 732332: In Kenya especially in the community of mine mostly I see there is large number of women who go to church compared to men, thus I think women are more consider in religion than men

[03/04, 10:28] Joseph Pasme: Thanks people for this sharing we getting a lot of experience and knowledge.

Anyway following my two radio program which I have so far presented. Here are some of the major points which came out from different guests. (Majority where women):

Women has power/ potential to do anything that a man can do. They can construct a building, painting, plastering and can work on drainages. Women can can do potential business like men and women have an equal opportunity equal rights with men.

On the barriers: Number of women they don’t trust themselves, they don’t support each other. Opportunity can be found but they will not support each other.

They don’t value themselves

They don’t understand or knowing very well what gender equality is.

They also appreciated the theme for this year women’s cerebration which state that Gender Equality today for sustainable tomorrow. That men and women should work together, support each other for them to have better life tomorrow.

Number of of men they don’t support women to do something own their own will. No proper access to a plot or having her own farm land unless when the husband died she will be given a land in the name of children not really for herself.

Disappointment on social economical. They said that some women here in Petauke and Luangazi District are the disappointment to men because of Gold mine which is located in Msanzala constituency once have started going there most of them end up forgetting their husbands, children and stay in mine doing business and remarried. Number of men have lost marriage out of that in trying to support them.

And a lot children they have even stopped schooling, engaging themselves into early marriages which is a danger to the development of this national or sustainable tomorrow to be achieved.

Lastly men where asked to know well their women/ wives and then support them if we are to to achieve gender equality.

[03/04, 10:43] Patrick Mentor: Hello everybody,

This week’s topic has brought to light the fact that oppression of women is deeply rooted in both culture and religion. We all agree that this blatant oppression, this violation of women’s rights need to be addressed, and it needs to be addressed now. My take is that the majority of women oppressors and violators of women rights do it without knowing that they are perpetuating a human (women) right violation since culture and religion practice or promote them as normal.

As broadcasters, we have a very big role to play. We need to recognise that the demeaning of the women and girls’ folk happens because of different reasons. There are those who do it because everyone around them is doing it and there are those who are doing it because culture or religion demands that they act that way. Our strategy to end this evil should, therefore, be specifically targeted. We need different approaches to dealing with it. One of them is simply AWARENESS. As broadcasters, we need to have programmes that make our listeners aware of the different practices and behaviours that violate women’s and girls’ rights. When people are aware of what needs to be done, a good number of them will oblige.

Another strategy should be aimed at those who defend practices that demean women and girls and violate their rights. The latter is very important but more difficult. It is like fighting in a war, and nobody fights a war without some people getting hurt. Those who feel that they might lose something if the culture or religion changed in favour of women’s and girls’ rights, will fight to the very end to preserve the status quo. Are we ready to stand up to them? If ‘yes’ let us plan to start doing something to that end, beginning on this year’s Women’s Day. Thereafter, let us make everyday Women’s Day in our programming. Remember, it is not always supposed to be a fight or a war, some people simply need information, awareness.

[03/04, 11:02] Busi N: Morning everyone

Someone mentioned that in Zambia the older women counsel the new brides on how not question or argue with what the husband says - this is a cultural norm. When we talk of women oppressors, we must not think it is only men. The system has made it seem normal for the older women to live a certain way and pass that on to the younger generation.

Coming to religion, I agree there are churches that believe it is not right for a woman to wear trousers or use make up etc. I recently listened to the conversation of a foreign national man calling the wife he left back home, he was arranging for the wife to visit and in the conversation he was telling the wife she must be prepared for a make over, and telling her that he would like to see her dressed in a certain way, eg wearing leggings and shorts especially in his house and also be comfortable wearing trousers in public. The wife felt like the husband is a changed person and wants her to commit sin and thus blocked the calls for some time. All this shows, once a certain way of life is endorsed by superiors and adopted, it will take time to shift that mentality to those affected, in fact they will not even think it is oppression.

A lot needs to be done, not only focusing on new generation but educating the older ones as well who will view young women as disobedient if they share their feelings or views on things.

[03/04, 11:06] Busi N: Welcome to those who just joined us.

We are on the last day of Week 2. Week 1 was about introducing yourself and sharing your understanding of positive masculinities. This week we are looking at religious and cultural norms with regards masculinities and these are the questions we are trying to answer:

1. What are the religious and cultural norms regarding men and women’s roles (household, community)?

2. What are some stereotypes coming from these roles, and how can they be harmful to individuals and communities? (Try to emphasize men and boys)

3. How can we advocate for men to be more involved in sharing (unpaid) care responsibilities more equally? (e.g. domestic duties including raising children from birth)

[03/04, 11:40] +254 759 732332: ,also there are churches who doesn’t want women to plait their hairs ,they just want them to cut it shot and cover it.

[03/04, 11:58] Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: The was a very revealing show.

As journalists, we bear the highest duty in breaking these barriers! We can put confidence in women.

One strategy is for us to project the works and initiatives of women who have been able to overcome stereotypes and are doing well in men dominated fields.

[03/04, 12:11] Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: @⁨Busi N⁩, the first point is exciting to note. These older women who train the younger ones, try to pass on their generational cultural norms. Once upon a time, I encountered such a woman in one of my field visits to farmers. Her argument was that, women should restrict themselves to house chores and leave the economic aspects to the men. She added that, women have the tendency to become arrogant when they get rich, and in order to maintain sanity in ta marriage, women should restrict their economic activities so that they not surpass their husbands in income.

[03/04, 12:12] Busi N: It is what they know and the wisdom they acquired. They need to change their tune and train the younger ones on not letting money change them

[somedshahadu]

@Angie you have made a very important point about the human cost of hegemonic masculinity. The ‘breadwinner’ culture is the source of anxiety in the lives of many men; in the absense of the material conditions to make this life possible, a lot of men feel emasculated by the fact that they have not been able to provide for family. Learning to share roles and responsiblities equally will help both men and women to live happy and prosperous lives.

[somedshahadu]

@Mulala @Eraston @Busi_Ngcebetsha @Denis @Mulala When we talk about religion and gender equality, it is also important to highlight the misinterpretation and misrepresentation of religious texts - the Quran, the Bible, and the Torah - as basis of male superiority. A lot of the conservative practices that undermine gender equality are grounded in religion and culture, not paying attention the fact that practices and norms in these two institution evolve accross time and space - religious and cultural practices change in a way that reflect the power dynamics of society at a given time or place. Those in position of power determine what is right or wrong; given that men have dominated religious and cultural institutions for centuries, they dominate the process of knowledge production and information management which are crucial to maintaining power and control in any given human society.

[Joseph90]

Culture is a strong part of people’s lives. It influences their views, their values, their humor, their hopes, their loyalties, and their worries and fears.
Here in Tanzania Cultural practices both reflect and define group identities, whether the group is a small subculture or a nation.
Due to this many tribes have been raising children by teaching them that man is the most respected person in society starting at the family level.
If you look at more than 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania, women have come to believe that they are there to serve only men and to look after the home environment, many girls have been sent to dance in front of men at night as part of their preparation to find men to marry, no matter what the consequences may be for them or what violence may occur against them.
Many tribal cultures in Tanzania have been teaching boys since they were young they are more important people in society than girls / women so they should not be around them all the time as they will be weak in the family, but it is also believed that they are the pillars of the family and society.
This situation has led to a huge gap in gender equality between men and women for men to consider themselves superior to women.

[Naomi]

Hello folks ,iam really enjoying the discussion,here are my thoughts on this week 's topic.

1. What are the religious and cultural norms regarding men and women’s roles (household, community)?

Gender norms are deeply rooted in the religious circles in Zambia.

In some churches like the Seventh Day Adventist women are not allowed to preach as that role is the preserve of the men.

Key decision making positions such as church administration elder and other critical positions in the church are held by men.

Mostly Women are tasked with the responsibilities of cleaning the church and preparing food for the visitors at church even though a small percentage are appointed in the leadership structure,it must be noted that the positions are less influential compared to those held by the men.

Women are not allowed to wear trousers at church.However,I have observed that the women folks in Pentecostal churches are at liberty to wear trousers even the pastor’s wives are allowed to preach which is in total contrast with the norms of the traditional churches.

With regards to cultural norms in relation to women’s role,women have a duty to take care of the family and do domestic chores among others.In the Zambian culture the roles assigned to women are not labour intensive compared to roles taken up by men.

For example during the farming season, women prepare food while men cultivates the land.

Issues of family planning are the preserve of the women folk.On the other hand,men are considered the heads of households and women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands no matter the education background of a woman.

2. What are some stereotypes coming from these roles, and how can they be harmful to individuals and communities? (Try to emphasize men and boys)

ANS: It must be noted that as a result of the widely held beliefs regarding women’s and men’s roles it has had a negative impact on achieving gender equality.

Because men are considered to be strong that women,jobs with value are only offered to men.

One will find that a woman will be a full time house wife due to the widely held cultural norm that a woman’s place is in the kitchen.Being a house wife does not come with monetary gains and yet it is a full time job looking after children and taking care of the household.

The notion that men are the head of households has lead to power imbalance which creates gender inequality.

Women are denied chances of taking up leadership positions because they are considered as weaker vessels.

Jobs with value are only given to men as women are offered jobs which attracts less pay.

In most cases,girls have been hindered from pursuing male dominated careers such as engineering and technical courses etc due to the cultural belief that they are supposed to do less labour intensive work.

3. How can we advocate for men to be more involved in sharing (unpaid) care responsibilities more equally? (e.g. domestic duties including raising children from birth)

ANS: Well,broadcasters have a duty to ensure that they advocate for men to be more involved in sharing responsibilities at family level.

This can be done by urging men to make use of the paternity leave which is their entitlement and spend some quality time with the new born baby for the sake of bonding with the child and helping the woman who is just from the delivery room.

In Zambia,the number of paternity leave is 7 days.Broadcatsers can however advocate for more days to be added so that the men can begin to spend time with their families and help with the domestic chores.

Responsible parenthood means that you share domestic chores equally and be part of the child’s life.

[Eraston]

The real point is
Nowadays man can not win a case against a woman
Women are too defendable than men .
We need to be treated well without looking who is who.
Most of women as well treat their husband because the law will defend her
Yes gender is important but some women take this to misbehave.
No matter what the man remain as a head the family.
A women will never be a head of a family it’s a command from God
Genesis 3:14 >

[Eraston]

For real I agree with that

[Mamsul]

Hello everyone.

• What are the religious and cultural norms regarding men and women’s roles (household, community) in your region?

In my country Sierra Leone,the two dominant religions are Christianity and Islam. For Christians their is no discrimination or norms that are Gender biased but for the muslims there is. For instance only men lead in prayers and during praying men and women are separated whilst men are in front and women at the back. There is also many Gender biases among girls and boys. Some of these religious beliefs are also mixed with traditional cultural practices like in the home priority is given more to boys to be educated unlike girls and un instances where in the funds are limited, only boys are sent to school and girls are left to do house work. However, because of discussions on Gender it’s a bit better now but we still have isolated cases.

• What are some stereotypes coming from these roles, and how can they be harmful to individuals and communities? (Try to emphasize men and boys)
  In my country some of the stereotypic views are that boys are stronger than girls and they are more intelligent. Some people even believe educating boys is more important than girls because girls normally get pregnant and drop out of school. So they prioritise the boys whilst causing harm to the girls mentally. My self I am a victim. We are 6 in my family, 4 boys 2 girls. Growing up my father focused more on the boys especially my elder brother because I am the 2nd. It caused alot of psychological pain that even now I do have mental shock.

• How can we advocate for men to be more involved in sharing (unpaid) care responsibilities more equally? (e.g. domestic duties including raising children from birth)
  It’s by encouraging parent to know that boys and girls are equal despite their gender differences. It should start in the home because if you raise your children by sharing domestic work, it will be a routine in their lives and that will be a tool for them in future. More advocacy in the media, homes, schools, mosque, church, communities among others

[Bintispark]

GREETINGS!
MY THOUGHTS ON CURRENT DISCUSSION

Tanzania is a culturally diverse society and is rich in ancients cultures
and traditions.

Most Tanzanians have strong family ties, and respect for men is maintained by all. Children are brought up and shown that the
honor of the home is father / man.

Girls from some tribal after puberty are sent to the traditional dances
where they trained to serve men.

This situation has been a major source of sexual harassment and violence for some women who enter into sexual and marital relationships, and when they encounter violence they are forced to endure beatings and insults for fear that society will see them as worthless.

In the case of boys they are taught that it is their responsibility to take care of the family, which has made some men burdened with household
responsibilities even when a woman has an income, not only that but some even dare to forbid women to work believing that income independence it will deprive them of their manhood.