‘Real men speak out when abused …’

Gender-based violence was recently described by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa as a “global pandemic.” Statistics reveal that about one-third of African women report having experienced domestic violence, whether sexual or physical (World Bank report).

In Zimbabwe, recent reports indicate that gender-based violence cases are rising daily, with the majority of reports coming from women. However, this has sparked concerns among several human rights defenders, who believe that men, too, experience significant abuse from their partners. Many male victims fear reporting their abusive partners due to cultural beliefs around masculinity in African societies.

In Africa, men are often viewed as “warriors” who must not show vulnerability, even when facing hardship. This cultural mindset has fueled fear among men and discouraged them from speaking out about abusive relationships.

Several activists and public figures across the continent have publicly refuted the notion that “real men don’t cry” and cannot be victims of abuse. One such advocate is Future Nyoni, the reigning Mister Africa International Zimbabwe, who, in an exclusive interview, called for an end to the belief that men are only perpetrators of abuse. He argued that this stereotype contributes to the rise in male suicide rates.

“As we approach one of the most significant dates on our calendar—the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—many people mistakenly believe it’s solely about women’s abuse,” Nyoni said. “In reality, both men and women can be victims of abuse, and some women are perpetrators.”

Future Nyoni urged men who experience abuse in their relationships or homes to speak out instead of “sweeping it under the carpet.” He called for African men to reject the belief that “real men don’t cry” and instead encourage open discussions within society. “Real men speak up and find solutions,” he emphasized.

He further encouraged men to actively participate in the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, including engaging in meetings, conferences, and roadshows to raise awareness about abuse across African communities.

“I urge my brothers and fathers to join in these events globally. Let’s be at the forefront of spreading awareness about the impact of abuse,” he said. “Let’s also support men who have changed their ways, allowing them to share their stories, as each story has the power to inspire positive change.“

In his pursuit of the Mister Africa International title, Nyoni is also focused on establishing regional youth hubs to serve as vocational centers for unemployed youth and those dealing with mental health challenges and abuse.

Future concluded his conversation with a powerful message: “African men must remember that women are not anyone’s property. They are treasures to be valued, just as men should be treated with respect and care.”