More than an umbrella: Drenched by stereotypes
It was a brief engagement, but it ended with a shocking revelation.
Yesterday, after an exhausting day, I decided to have a conversation with a male friend to calm my nerves.
We centred our discussion on climate change.
Many Ghanaians can attest to the unpredictable weather patterns experienced in May, particularly the sudden heavy rains that submerged several parts of the country.
These changing weather conditions have made daily life increasingly uncertain.
Stepping out without a raincoat or an umbrella can leave one stranded in an unexpected downpour.
And if God doesn’t intervene, you won’t be alive to tell your predicament.
My friend said, “I was drenched by the rain on my way to class this morning.
Although I have an umbrella, I couldn’t take it with me. Men are not supposed to use umbrellas.”
Gender roles
His statement caught me by surprise.
Why should an umbrella designed to protect people from rain and sun be associated with a particular gender?
Why should men conform to societal expectations even when they are in discomfort?
His remarks introduce the broader discussion on gender roles and expectations.
In Ghana and many parts of the world, men are expected to be providers and breadwinners.
They have been ascribed roles of not opening up or calling for help when they are drowning.
Emotions are hidden, and when a man speaks up, he is called a “weakling”.
Consequently, the concept of the “real man” is becoming increasingly common in this contemporary society. A man who is unable to provide for his family, unemployed, shows emotions, vulnerable and indulges in activities associated with women is often made a mocking stone.
You are called all sorts of names if you help your partner with chores. Additionally, when a man is unable to pay the bill on a dinner date, he is criticised.
The constant definition of masculinity by rigid standards reinforces stereotypes and puts unnecessary pressure on men to conform to societal expectations.
Nonetheless, these expectations have become the norm in men’s daily lives, so much so that they go unnoticed.
Awareness creation is prudent in tackling gendered expectations labelled on men.
Equality is about standing up for both genders and not sidelining one.
The belief that men should not use umbrellas may seem trivial, but it reflects a deeper discourse on gender roles and societal expectations.
At the end of the conversation, my friend was persuaded by the knowledge imparted to him.
Now, he has no stereotypical mindset.
He will use an umbrella whenever necessary without the fear of being mocked. I encouraged him to share this perspective with others.
If we are truly advocating gender equality, men should be seen and heard.
If women are breaking barriers, then men can, too.
The writer is a Teaching Assistant (TA) at UNIMAC. Email:
