What does it mean to be a man?

Patriarchy grants men privileges, but it also comes with norms and expectations that inflict harm on their mental and physical health. Psychological research suggests that it is in African men’s interests to participate in redefining masculinity.

Strong and courageous providers and protectors – that’s what men are supposed to be, according to the norms of the Didinga ethnic group in South Sudan. It is not always easy for young people to reconcile such traditional ideas with modern concepts.

Driving a truck was long viewed as man’s work in Mexico. It was presumed that only the “stronger sex” could handle the dangerous routes and long lonely shifts. Yet women are now breaking with these old stereotypes.