This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
On a journey to create a more equitable society, three Kenyan men have found themselves proudly identifying as feminists. Despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to their cause, driven by a desire to see women and girls empowered to reach their full potential.
For Ochola K'omuono, a 28-year-old high school teacher, feminism is about giving women the space, support, and opportunities they need to improve their living standards and status in society. He defines it as 'beautiful' and believes that a community that has embraced feminism allows women to explore their potential without making it look like a gender war.
As a man who has been teased for identifying with the movement, K'omuono has observed that the hatred often stems from a lack of knowledge and information about feminism. He believes that what is being seen is women rising to take spaces that they deserve, opportunities that they ought to have enjoyed since time immemorial.
Another proud male feminist is Elias Mwangi, a 28-year-old entrepreneur and father of one. For him, feminism is about championing decent living standards for anyone identifying as female, regardless of age, gender, colour, or social status. He comes from a largely matriarchal family and grew up watching his mother raise him and his siblings single-handedly.
Mwangi has faced ridicule from surprising women, who have lectured him on how to support women, which he believes is misandry. He has also observed that male feminists and allies are often treated as punching bags, losing support due to the anger and hurt they face from women.
Ahmednoor Bashir Haji, a 22-year-old journalist, is another proud male feminist. He comes from a very patriarchal community and believes that feminism is about giving both males and females equal opportunities and rights. He defines a feminist as a person who believes that both males and females of all diversities deserve equal opportunities and rights.
Haji has been mocked multiple times online and offline for admitting that he is a feminist. He has faced ridicule and been told that he is a mad man, a simp, and that he has been brainwashed. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his cause, driven by a desire to see women and girls empowered to reach their full potential.
These three men share a common goal: to create a more equitable society where women and girls have the same opportunities as men. Despite the challenges they face, they remain proud of their identity as male feminists, and their journeys serve as a testament to the power of feminism to bring about positive change.
