Caring men

This wonderful man works as a home-based carer in deep rural Qumbu near Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. He cooks, washes, cleans, helps HIV-positive persons to access treatment and orphans with their homework. A man in the kitchen (and wearing an apron!) is an unusual sight in a society where gender roles are clearly divided into men’s and women’s roles and ‘jobs’. Initially ridiculed by other men in his community, this man has now become a role model and a person they respect and look up to.

I spent the last two days interviewing men who have learnt about gender equality and decided to practise it on a daily basis. It’s amazing to see how, with a little effort and goodwill, gender stereotypes can be overcome and entire communities benefit from this new approach. Can’t wait to write the article…