Botswana: The cost of being a man, economic pressures fuelling toxic masculinity

The article examines how economic decline in Botswana is intensifying pressure on men to fulfil traditional provider roles amid rising unemployment, underemployment and falling incomes. It shows how these pressures clash with entrenched expectations of masculinity, leaving many men financially strained, socially burdened and emotionally distressed. 

Drawing on expert analysis and an anonymous source, the story links economic insecurity to harmful coping behaviours, including substance abuse, deteriorating mental health and increased gender‑based violence. International research cited in the article connects prolonged unemployment among men with household conflict, social withdrawal and risky behaviours. 

The article argues that addressing these challenges requires both economic and social reform. It highlights proposals such as stronger social protection measures and calls for redefining masculinity to value care, emotional openness and shared responsibility, warning that failure to act will deepen social and gender‑related harms. 

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY: 

https://weekendpost.co.bw/provide-or-perish-men-caught-in-the-grip-of-economic-strain/   

This article, first published by Weekend Post, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.