Men are often the image of strength, but beyond the bravado lies a strong need for vulnerability and support. At least 1 in 8 men experience a mental health disorder globally, but men are often less likely to seek help due to stigma.

Building a society that is not only celebratory of men's strengths but also accommodative and supportive of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities is key. As we mark this year's International Men's Day edition, WeWire sat with men from our global team to share their thoughts.

What experiences in life shaped your view of being a Man?

Naf, Kenya

When young, I was brought up in a typical family set-up (mother, father, siblings), and I always saw my father take the lead in providing for our family. That helped me appreciate, over time, the responsibility of providing as a man/father in the family.

What is one thing you wish more men spoke about - I wish men talked more about their true feelings. Holding back and keeping everything to oneself has long-term effects that might prove dire later.

Wole, Nigeria

For me, going through issues at different points in my life and realising I had to get myself out of it without external help shaped how I view being a man.

Eben, Ghana

I would say watching how my Dad managed situations at home and work. Listening to his lengthy advice. Fun fact: I used to think he talked a lot when I was young. Now, as an adult, I fully understand everything.

Sam, Nigeria

After leaving secondary school, I was unable to get into university like my friends, and I became depressed. I wasted a lot of time being sad about what I was going through. After a while, I picked myself up and remembered that one moment can't and shouldn't define your entire life. This experience guides my thoughts on manhood because now I know I can always pick myself up and use time well.

What is one thing you wish more men spoke about?

Naf

I wish men spoke more about their true feelings. Holding back and keeping everything to oneself has long-term effects that might prove dire.

Wole

I would love to see more men speak about the side effects of constantly suppressing their emotions.

Sam

Life in general. I wish more men spoke about how things affect them, from relationships, work, family, etc. I wish we spoke more about these things than make jokes about them. Even with my friends, I find that I talk more with my female friends about these things, and it could be because I grew up with sisters. But it will be more helpful that men talk about the things bothering them to each other rather than being asked to toughen up about it.

Eben

Mental health. It's a struggle for men but is often not discussed.

What challenges have you faced that you feel are unique to men, and how have they impacted you?

Eben

There are a lot of challenges; I face them every day. For example, you are expected to show up, smile, and act normally in challenging times because your dependents will be more broken if you don't. As a man, you always have to act rationally based on feelings.

Naf

Providing for the family. This has impacted me in a way that I would lose sleep just thinking about my family's future.

Wole

Non-stop life pressure

Sam

You see, this money issue is crazy. The responsibilities associated with being a man in the society we are in don't give you a lot of chances to take care of yourself. People are constantly taking from you and not giving back. Using myself as an example, I have given out so much, and the only two things I have been able to do for myself this year are rent an apartment and buy a phone.

How can we create better support systems for men?

Naf

I believe we need to create more spaces that engage men in work and life issues more frequently. Just like women have various support groups, men could also use them to enhance their lifestyles, unpack stress, and support each other.

Wole

I believe with less societal stigma around speaking up and showing actual care as opposed to gaslighting followed up with initial care, that tends to morph into mild contempt and then lead back to stigma.

Eben

Men are tough on the outside, but they generally go through a lot, especially in the African culture, where men carry responsibilities of both nuclear and extended families. I believe society needs to recognise that men also have feelings regardless of what they show or say.

Sam

I don't believe we can create better support systems, though we can help. A man will take on so much responsibility and try to be a leader even when they are overwhelmed. I believe that just asking "How can I help?", looking deeply and identifying what the man might need, even when he doesn't say, goes a long way.

Conclusion

As we celebrate International Men's Day, it is essential to go beyond lip service and begin to take proactive steps towards providing better support for men in our society. Financial responsibilities come with their unique pressures on men, but all-round support is also essential. Listen to a man today, show care, send them money from anywhere you are using WeWire, and make them feel special because they deserve it!