Masculinities – socially constructed ideas about how men should behave – continue to shape gender equality in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. When restrictive, they position men as providers, decision makers and figures of authority, limiting women’s economic opportunities and agency, contributing to the tolerance of gender-based violence, and pressuring men and boys to meet narrow ideals of manhood. This report makes these norms visible and identifies policy pathways to promote positive masculinities, advance women’s economic empowerment and prevent gender-based violence. Its findings are based on original nationally representative survey data from Côte d’Ivoire and qualitative research conducted in Senegal.
Masculinity and Gender Equality
Insights from Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal
Introduction
Key figures
96%
of respondents in Côte d’Ivoire say a man's most important role is to provide for his family
Over 90%
of men in Côte d’Ivoire feel stressed about not being able to provide
84%
of people in Côte d'Ivoire say men should have the final say in important household decisions
Providing and decision making remain central to masculine norms
Being the sole or main provider and family decision maker, holding authority, and distancing from unpaid care and domestic work remain central norms of masculinity in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. These norms remain widely shared by both women and men, but generational differences are emerging: young women are increasingly challenging restrictive masculinities, while many young men continue to navigate strong pressure to meet provider ideals.
Restrictive masculinities weaken women’s economic empowerment and increase violence risk
Restrictive masculinities, alongside structural inequalities, limit women’s opportunities and agency, including access to paid work, assets and economic decision making. They also pressure men and boys to meet narrow ideals of authority, control and provision. When some men strongly endorse these norms and feel pressure to live up to them, they are more likely to report using violence.
Restrictive masculinities persist because people misjudge what others believe
In Côte d’Ivoire, people often misjudge how widely restrictive masculinities are supported. They tend to overestimate men’s support for these norms and underestimate women’s support for them. This “silent gap” can reinforce caution and conformity, as individuals may align their behaviour with what they believe is socially expected.
Making these misperceptions visible can help reduce self‑censorship, challenge assumptions about what others believe, and reveal opportunities for policy action that may be more socially accepted than commonly assumed.
What can governments do?
Equitable, caring and non-violent masculinities should be promoted through schools, youth initiatives, media and community engagement. Supporting men and boys, especially younger generations, to adopt alternative roles is key to advancing gender equality and preventing violence.
Since masculinities vary across geography and social dynamics, policies should be adapted to local realities. Community‑based approaches and engagement with trusted leaders can help ensure that efforts to promote positive masculinities are credible, context-specific and effective.
The promotion of equal decision making should go hand in hand with efforts to expand access to assets, decent work, finance, childcare and safe mobility. Linking skills training with practical support, such as mentoring and finance, ensures participation leads to greater autonomy and control over resources.
Legal frameworks, reporting systems, and survivor services should be improved, while at the same time addressing norms that justify violence. Building trust in institutions and tackling tolerance of male dominance are essential to reduce violence and ensure survivors can seek support safely.
Support for positive masculinities needs to become more visible to address gaps between personal beliefs and perceived norms. Communication and community dialogue can shift perceptions, reduce compliance with restrictive norms and accelerate progress towards more inclusive societies.
