Male Chauvinism And Feminism: Which Way To Go?

By Martha Etale

Cases of men seen as superior to females in Kenya tend to increase because of the African culture. The culture has grown its roots to the extent the society is affected, making some women and men be feminists.

Feminism is the belief in full social, economic, and political equality for women. Feminism largely arose in response to Western traditions that restricted the rights of women.

A book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche called We Should All Be Feminists, explains how the African Culture strongly believes in Male Chauvinism.

The book explains different occasions that happened in a way the Male character is given the best priority in all levels despite the female character having the chance legally.

The author gave an example of how she felt and turned into a feminist at a young age in which her school gave them a test and gave a chance of becoming the class prefect to whoever came out the best from the test. She became the best followed by a male in the test but the boy was given the reward.

Many people tend to apply their culture unknowingly to other people. There are some actions that portray people as feminists or chauvinists but because there are done repeatedly, people think it is normal. This has brought into being the organization of feminists that tries to create awareness about equality of gender and the importance of women in society. 

Cases of gender-based violence have reduced since the creation of women’s rights was launched. People, especially men tend to use their power of masculinity to harass women since women are believed to have no voice in society.

In 2016   a case in  Machakos was held where a man had to chop off his wife’s “My husband’s action affected me. Though I have a new set of hands, at times they are painful”, Jackline Mwende Musyoki the victim said. Although justice finally prevailed.

In that case more and more have affected teenage girls with the fear of getting into marriage because of such cases. Because in marriage it is believed the man is the voice of the house. 

Although the organizations created have tried to cub the culture of male chauvinism still it’s hard for some to get out of cultures and also religions.

About the author

Etale Martha is a young and upcoming journalist with an interest in feature stories and anything that touches on society.