From a young age, boys are constantly taught:
“Protect women.”
“Respect women.”
“Never raise your hand against a woman.”
“Be a gentleman.”
“Provide for your family.”
“Put women first.”
“Never make a woman feel unsafe.”
And there's absolutely nothing wrong with teaching boys to be respectful, responsible and protective.
But here's what often gets overlooked:
Who teaches young girls how to respect men?
Who teaches them to appreciate a man's efforts?
Who teaches them not to manipulate, humiliate or emotionally abuse their partners?
Who teaches them that men have feelings, insecurities and emotional needs too?
Who reminds them that providing, protecting and being strong doesn't mean a man should tolerate disrespect?
Men deserve kindness, loyalty, appreciation and emotional support just as much as women do.
Respect should never be a one-way expectation. Healthy relationships require accountability, understanding and effort from both sides.
We shouldn't raise boys to believe their role is to give endlessly while their own needs and feelings come second.
Teach both boys and girls how to love, respect and treat each other properly. That's what equality should look like.