In recent years, we’ve seen a powerful movement of women empowering women, a force that has driven significant strides toward gender equality and economic independence for many women worldwide. This movement has been transformative, creating networks of support, mentorship, and opportunities that have changed countless lives. However, it’s crucial to recognize that empowerment is not a zero-sum game. Just as women have mobilized to lift each other up, it is time for us men to take a page from this playbook and develop structured initiatives to empower our fellow men, particularly those struggling in rural areas.
In many rural communities, men face unique challenges that are often overlooked. High rates of unemployment, limited access to education, and a lack of economic opportunities can create cycles of poverty and disempowerment. For these men, who are often expected to be the primary providers for their families, the pressures can be immense. To address this, we need targeted initiatives that focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing skills training.
One successful example of a male-focused empowerment scheme is the Igbo apprenticeship system in Anambra State, Nigeria. This traditional system, known locally as “Igba Boy,” has been widely regarded as one of the most successful wealth-creation strategies in Africa. It involves a young man being mentored by a successful business owner—often a relative or a member of the same community—who trains him in a specific trade or business. Over several years, the apprentice learns the ins and outs of the business, gaining both technical skills and practical knowledge of running a successful enterprise. At the end of the apprenticeship, the mentor sets up the young man with the capital or goods needed to start his own business, thereby creating a new entrepreneur who is capable of not only supporting himself but also contributing to the local economy.
The Igbo apprenticeship model is a perfect example of a structured approach to male empowerment that combines mentorship, skill acquisition, and economic support. It leverages the strength of community bonds and mutual support, providing a template that could be adapted and replicated in other regions and industries. For instance, similar programs could be established in rural farming communities where experienced farmers mentor younger men, teaching them modern agricultural techniques and providing them with the necessary resources to start their farms.
Moreover, it’s essential to look at empowerment beyond just financial support or skills training. Mental health support, legal education, and social advocacy are equally important. Many men in rural areas face social and psychological pressures, including expectations to conform to outdated gender roles, which can hinder their ability to seek help or take advantage of available opportunities. Creating safe spaces where men can openly discuss their challenges and access mental health resources is a crucial aspect of a holistic empowerment strategy.
We must also advocate for policy changes that address the specific needs of rural men. Access to credit, legal support for small businesses, land rights, and better education and healthcare services are areas where significant improvements are needed. Policies that promote rural development, provide tax incentives for rural businesses, and improve infrastructure can make a substantial difference in empowering men in these communities.
Encouraging men in urban centers to “adopt” rural communities and invest in their development is another potential strategy. Urban men, who may have benefited from better education and employment opportunities, could play a significant role in mentoring rural men, sharing their experiences, and providing financial or technical assistance. This would foster a culture of brotherhood and collective progress, much like the women empowering women movement.
Empowering our fellow men is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity for the holistic development of our communities and our country. It’s time to take action, to look to successful models like the Igbo apprenticeship scheme, and to innovate new strategies that will uplift all members of our society. As men, we must recognize the power we have to make a difference, to provide a hand up to those who need it, and to create a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone. Let’s start today by committing to initiatives that foster economic empowerment, mentorship, and support for our brothers in rural areas. The more we do, the stronger we become—not just as individuals, but as a nation.
Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
“Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
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