Between green, yellow, and red: where are we on the Masculinity Traffic Light in Mozambican society?

Ronélio Zandamela"

A reading of our practices The issue of positive and negative masculinities has been gaining prominence in current debates due to its importance in promoting equality, mutual respect, and preventing violence. Mozambique is not exempt from this reality, especially given the persistence of social practices that condition relationships between men and women. Despite the efforts of various organizations in defending women's rights, behaviors that limit their opportunities and reinforce inequalities persist. Given this scenario, it is important to ask: where are we, as Mozambican society, on the Masculinity Traffic Light? The answer requires reflection on how we are educated and the values ​​we pass on from generation to generation. From childhood, boys and girls are often raised according to different expectations. Boys are associated with cars, the color blue, strength, and courage; girls are associated with dolls, the color pink, and tasks related to domestic care. These seemingly simple practices can contribute to the construction of rigid social roles, teaching boys that they should be strong and girls that they should be submissive. The problem does not lie in the differences themselves, but in the transformation of these differences into inequalities. In some communities, conceptions persist that hinder women's access to education, training, and leadership positions. The case of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime demonstrates how certain ideologies can severely restrict women's rights, including access to education. In the reflections on masculinities in which I have participated, I observe that men are still often seen as providers, protectors, courageous, strong, and decisive, while women are attributed with submission, fragility, and the obligation to obey. But does being a man necessarily mean being in charge? Does showing feelings diminish masculinity? And does a woman who questions or makes her own decisions cease to be respectable? These ideas can fuel power dynamics, normalize violence against women, and lead some men to hide their suffering or avoid reporting violent situations for fear of being considered weak. It is important, however, to recognize that both men and women can be victims of violence, although certain forms of gender-based violence disproportionately affect women. It is in this context that the Masculinities Traffic Light, presented by gender consultant Dr. Gilberto Macuacua Harilal, constitutes a useful tool for reflecting on our practices. Green represents positive masculinities:Behaviors based on respect, dialogue, responsibility, and equality. A man who participates in household chores, is involved in raising children, respects his partner's decisions, and resolves conflicts without resorting to violence contributes to healthy relationships. Yellow symbolizes warning and the possibility of change.It manifests itself in behaviors such as excessive control of the partner, jealousy mistaken for love, devaluation of women's opinions, and pressure on men to hide their emotions. These are signs that should not be ignored, because what is tolerated today may worsen tomorrow. Red represents the critical phase of negative masculinities.This includes physical, psychological, and sexual violence, threats, intimidation, and other practices that violate the dignity and safety of individuals. No tradition, show of authority, or feeling of jealousy should justify such behavior. Mozambican society can thus be compared to a highway, where each driver is responsible for how they drive. The absence of a traffic officer does not eliminate the duty to respect the rules. Similarly, the lack of witnesses or immediate sanctions does not make harmful behavior acceptable. However, responsibility does not belong solely to the individual. The family, the school, religious institutions, community leaders, and the State also play a fundamental role in education for respect and in transforming discriminatory practices. Change begins when we stop considering all the behaviors we've inherited as natural and start questioning their consequences. Boys' education shouldn't prepare them to dominate, just as girls' education shouldn't condition them to obey. The intention is not to classify all of Mozambican society into a single color, but to encourage each individual to evaluate their attitudes and recognize where they need to change. The important thing is not just to identify the color we are in, but to consciously decide where we want to go. Ultimately, the most important question is not just knowing what color we are in, but recognizing whether we have the courage to abandon red, the prudence not to ignore yellow, and enough awareness to remain in green. A more just society is built not only with speeches against violence, but with concrete changes in our daily attitudes.

2025/12/3