A group of young men in Grand Kru County have challenged long-held beliefs about masculinity (Machismo).
The event followed a Town Hall Engagement focused on gender equality and social norms.
The dialogue, held at the Liberia Red Cross Society office in Barclayville, was organized by the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH) in collaboration with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), with support from UN Women.
The session brought together 13 participants, including students, journalists, and community leaders, most of whom initially described masculinity in terms of strength, control, and responsibility.
However, discussions throughout the day revealed a gradual shift in perspective, with participants acknowledging the negative effects of rigid gender expectations.
Facilitators, including Emmanuel Koffa and Cyrus S. Thomas, who previously attended a similar educational session in Monrovia, shared insights on how socially constructed gender roles influence behavior and can contribute to inequality if left unchallenged.
Participants examined how societal pressure on men to remain emotionally reserved and dominant in decision-making often leads to strained relationships and limits women’s participation in leadership and governance.
Despite limited prior exposure to gender concepts, many attendees expressed openness to change, recognizing that masculinity can be redefined to include respect, emotional awareness, and shared responsibility.
Organizers say, the engagement is part of ongoing efforts to reshape community attitudes and promote inclusive decision-making, particularly in the Southeast.
Participants meanwhile, recommended expanding such initiatives to include women, traditional leaders, and broader community stakeholders, emphasizing that lasting change requires collective understanding and action.
The Town Hall forms part of a wider program aimed at advancing women’s political participation and addressing social norms that hinder their leadership.