By: Risto Mushongo
The concept of men’s empowerment is often misunderstood. Society assumes that men are naturally equipped to handle life’s challenges, but the reality is far more complex. Men are not born empowered; they are not pre-trained in the womb to navigate the emotional, mental, and societal pressures they will face. So, where does this so-called empowerment come from? Is it inherent in masculinity? Or is it a societal construct that has left many men ill-prepared for the realities of life?
The truth is, many men are struggling. In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, where both men and women are striving for success, men are increasingly facing depression, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. Yet, many do not know how to process or respond to these feelings. When confronted with emotional challenges, men often retreat into a defensive shell, hiding their vulnerabilities. When attacked, they resort to their perceived masculine strength to defend themselves. But is this true empowerment? Absolutely not.
True empowerment for men lies in their ability to understand, process, and express their emotions. It means recognising that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. It means understanding that being emotionally open does not diminish their masculinity. Both men and women experience the hardships of life, and both need to be equipped with emotional intelligence to navigate these challenges effectively. Emotional intelligence is not gender-specific; it is a human necessity.
Imagine a scenario where an empowered woman, confident in her understanding of human rights and emotional intelligence, interacts with a man who lacks this empowerment. The man, feeling underpowered and emotionally unequipped, may react defensively or even violently. This is not because he is inherently aggressive but because he has been conditioned to equate strength with physical resilience and emotional suppression. Society has taught men to be strong and resilient, but this teaching, while well-intentioned, has destroyed many young men. Physical strength does not equate to mental strength, and the failure to recognise this has left countless men struggling in silence.
This is why I advocate for the emotional empowerment of boys and men. Men’s mental health is just as important as women’s, and it is time we address this issue head-on. Boys need to be coached from a young age on how to deal with emotions, how to process pain, and how to communicate effectively. They need to learn that it is okay to feel weak, to cry, and to seek help. These actions do not make them less of a man; they make them human.
In the workplace, employers have a critical role to play. Men should be given opportunities to engage in open conversations about their mental health. Imagine a workplace where men are encouraged to spend even 30 minutes a week speaking with a trained coach—someone who can listen without judgement and help them cope with the emotions they are battling. This simple intervention could transform lives, creating healthier, more productive, and more emotionally intelligent men.
The narrative around men’s empowerment needs to change. It is not about reinforcing outdated notions of masculinity that prioritise physical strength and emotional suppression. It is about equipping men with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life emotionally, mentally, and socially. It is about creating a society where men feel safe to express their vulnerabilities, where they understand that true strength lies in their ability to confront and manage their emotions.
Let us redefine what it means to be an empowered man. Let us create a world where boys and men are taught emotional intelligence, where their mental health is prioritised, and where they are encouraged to seek help without fear of judgement. Only then can we truly say that men are empowered—not by societal expectations, but by their ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.
Men’s empowerment is not just crucial; it is essential. It is time we invest in the emotional and mental well-being of men, for their sake and for the sake of society as a whole.
Risto Mushongo is a certified life coach. The views herein are his own.
