Right-wing ideas that liberal elites are actively corroding deeply held traditional values — including traditional gender roles.
For those who spend excessive airtime worrying about the emasculation of men, the kind of strength portrayed by Russia’s leader fits the bill. Forget the dewy-eyed version of Ukraine.
The consequences for women and girls are dire. The majority of men believe showing signs of weakness and submission, whether at home or in public, is disgraceful. Most men say women should adhere to traditional gender roles, like cooking, cleaning and caring for children. Men go to violent lengths to enforce this division.
One in ten Ukrainian men believe that women should tolerate violence to keep their families intact – to devastating effect.Each year over a million women become victims of gender-based violence – though the actual figure is likely much higher, since only an estimated 30 per cent of women come forward to report it.
Financial dependence, fear of stigmatization and a sense that domestic violence is ‘normal’ all contribute to women’s silence.
