Men’s Struggles Won’t End by Erasing Women’s Rights

Mens Rights vs Womens Rights: Equality Fixes Crisis

In Lagos, 42% of men under 30 can’t find work. Yet, some politicians argue that limiting women’s access to education or jobs will “restore balance.” Let’s be clear: sacrificing women’s rights won’t rescue men—it will sink us all. From Abuja to Kano, Nigeria’s men are struggling—with unemployment, mental health, and identity crises. But rolling back decades of progress for women isn’t just unethical; it’s economic suicide. Let’s unpack why.

1. Men Are Struggling—Here’s the Data

Nigeria’s male unemployment rate hit 18% in 2025, the highest in a decade. Suicide rates among men aged 25–40 have doubled since 2020, fueled by societal pressure to be sole breadwinners. A 2025 World Health Organization report reveals that 1 in 3 Nigerian men experiences depression, yet only 10% seek help due to stigma.

But here’s the kicker: these issues aren’t caused by women’s advancement. Blaming gender equality is like blaming rain for a leaking roof—it distracts from fixing the real problem: broken systems.

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Actionable Insight: Employers should subsidize mental health programs and promote flexible work policies. Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission could incentivize companies with tax breaks for mental health initiatives.

2. Why Rolling Back Women’s Rights Fails Everyone

When Kano State proposed banning women from public sector jobs in 2024, economists warned of a ₦2.3 trillion GDP loss by 2030. Why? Because women drive 41% of Nigeria’s informal economy, from Lagos markets to Enugu farms. Restricting their rights doesn’t “create space” for men—it shrinks the economy, leaving fewer jobs for everyone.

Fact: Countries with higher gender equality have stronger GDP growth. Norway, where 40% of corporate boards are female, boasts a 32% lower male suicide rate than Nigeria. Equality isn’t a zero-sum game—it’s a rising tide.

Case Study: Rwanda’s post-genocide decision to prioritize women’s leadership led to 61% female parliamentary representation and a 7% annual GDP growth spike. Their secret? Invest in women, and everyone rises.

3. The Real Culprits: Outdated Systems, Not Women

Nigeria’s men aren’t failing—they’re trapped in a colonial-era playbook. Boys are raised to equate masculinity with financial dominance, yet 65% of Nigerian graduates face underemployment. Meanwhile, rigid gender roles leave men ill-equipped for modern partnerships.

Solution: Revamp education. Teach boys emotional literacy and collaborative skills. The Lagos State Ministry of Education’s 2025 pilot program integrating mental health into curricula reduced dropout rates by 17%.

Actionable Insight: Fathers, share childcare duties. Companies like GTBank now offer 12-week paternity leave, normalizing caregiving as a male role.

Also READ: Tackling Most Pressing Health Issues in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

4. Fixing Men’s Struggles Requires Allyship, Not Sabotage

True progress means dismantling harmful norms together. For example, closing Nigeria’s 35% gender pay gap would add $229 billion to the economy by 2030, creating jobs for men and women.

What Works:

• Policy: Mandate equal parental leave. South Africa’s 2024 law increased paternal leave uptake by 50%, easing women’s career burdens.
• Community: Male mentorship programs, like Abuja’s “Brotherhood Initiative,” reduce unemployment by pairing men with industry leaders.

5. The Path Forward: Equality Lifts All Boats

Nigeria can’t afford regression. Instead:

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• Invest in healthcare: Expand access to free mental health clinics.
• Boost STEM for girls: More female engineers mean more role models—and more collaborative workplaces.
• Tax reforms: Reward companies promoting gender-balanced leadership.

Final Word: Men’s pain is real, but the answer isn’t fewer rights for women—it’s more opportunities for all. Let’s build a Nigeria where a man’s worth isn’t tied to his paycheck, and a woman’s ambition isn’t a threat.

By addressing systemic flaws instead of scapegoating women, Nigeria can turn its gender crisis into a renaissance. The clock’s ticking—but the solution is in our hands.