Youth Alive! Kenya (YAK) hosted a ground-breaking Men’s Dinner on July 26, 2024, that brought together men for candid discussions on unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) and its profound impact on their lives. The event aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and shed light on how societal expectations often place the sole burden of care work on women, overlooking men’s contributions.

Participants openly shared personal stories of feeling discouraged from participating in UCDW tasks and undervalued when they did. They underscored the critical need for a more equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities within households. The conversation also drew a clear link between UCDW and broader issues such as gender-based violence (GBV). Many acknowledged the pressure to conform to rigid gender norms and how this pressure can escalate into household tensions.

The dinner also delved into the economic challenges intertwined with UCDW. Participants recognized that poverty often forces men into traditional “breadwinner” roles, thereby limiting their involvement in caregiving. There was a strong call for the implementation of economic empowerment programs and better support systems that would enable men to effectively balance their work and domestic duties.

The evening concluded with a set of actionable commitments. These included advocating for the greater recognition of UCDW, actively challenging limiting societal norms, and creating safe spaces for men to openly discuss GBV and UCDW. Through these frank and insightful discussions, the Men’s Dinner fostered a significant shift in attitudes, encouraging men to embrace a more equitable approach to UCDW and overall family dynamics.