African culture is a culture that holds men in positions of power. In many cases powerful men mistake power for abuse. In fact they are very different. A powerful man shows respect for women. An abusive man is not a powerful man.
Why are men favoured in so many African cultures? Here are five reasons. See how many of these you have noticed yourself, or your friends, believe.
- There are still strong cultural practices and village customs like polygamy and initiations that give men power.
- One reason is due to the strong influence of tribal leaders, especially in rural areas. They are key decision-makers and the custodians of tradition, culture and rites. All traditional leaders are men.
- Customs like bride price or lobola continue that belief. Some men think that having “paid” for a wife she is then his “possession” to treat or mistreat as he sees fits.
- When young boys are initiated into manhood they are taught about adulthood. They are made to believe that as the head of the household they have the power.
- Families continue these outdated beliefs ideas that boys are more valuable, or can go further in life, than girls.
Even though the law regards men and women as equal, African culture is still patriarchal - which means it favours guys over girls.
No matter what the law says, behind the scenes many men believe ideas like ‘beating a woman is part of my culture’, or a ‘woman must obey her husband’.
Today is the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Do you think African culture accepts women being mistreated? Does your family?