Sluts, simps and body shaming: the rise of Africa’s manosphere
Experts have been alarmed at the growth of deep misogyny dressed up as self-help on social media. We profile seven men from across the continent who are gaining traction It is not just Europe and the US that are grappling with a growing landscape of misogynistic influencers online. While Andrew Tate, Myron Gaines, Sneako and other voices grow in toxicity in the manosphere of the west, across Africa – which has more than 400 million people aged between 15 and 35 – several individuals are gaining traction. The manosphere is a loose network of communities that claim to address men’s struggles such as dating and fitness, but often promote harmful misogynistic attitudes. Sunita Caminha, who leads UN Women on ending violence against women and girls in east and southern Africa, first started noticing its presence in Africa about five years ago, and believes it is on the rise. “Research and data that keeps coming out is very consistent [in] showing this is an alarming issue in different countries and contexts across the continent.” Continue reading...
The rise of Africa’s manosphere: Sluts, simps, and body shaming in a continent grappling with online misogyny
In recent years, the manosphere—a network of communities that claim to address men’s struggles but often promote harmful misogynistic attitudes—has been on the rise in Africa. While the phenomenon is well-documented in Europe and the United States, with figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines gaining notoriety, experts are now warning that the continent of Africa is experiencing a similar surge in toxic online discourse.
Africa, home to over 400 million people aged between 15 and 35, is particularly vulnerable to the spread of misogynistic influencers. Sunita Caminha, who leads UN Women on ending violence against women and girls in east and southern Africa, first noticed the manosphere’s presence on the continent around five years ago. Since then, she has observed a concerning increase in its influence across various countries and contexts.
“Research and data that keeps coming out is very consistent in showing this is an alarming issue in different countries and contexts across the continent,” Caminha emphasizes. “We are seeing a rise in online content that promotes deep misogyny, often disguised as self-help and advice for men.”
The manosphere’s growth in Africa is not limited to a few isolated figures. Several individuals across the continent are gaining traction, using social media platforms to spread their messages. These men often frame their content as a response to societal pressures on men, such as dating challenges or fitness goals. However, their messaging frequently crosses into harmful territory, promoting slurs like “simp” (a derogatory term for a man perceived as overly submissive or unattractive to women) and “slut” (a pejorative term for women who are sexually active), while also engaging in body shaming and other forms of online abuse.
One example of this trend is the rise of certain social media influencers who present themselves as experts in relationships and personal development. These figures often use their platforms to disseminate misinformation and toxic narratives, which can have a significant impact on young people who are navigating their own identities and relationships.
“The manosphere’s impact is not just limited to those who consume its content,” Caminha warns. “It can create a culture of toxicity that normalizes violence and abuse, both online and offline.”
In response to this growing concern, UN Women and other organizations are working to raise awareness about the dangers of the manosphere and promote positive, respectful discourse about gender relations. They are also collaborating with social media platforms to identify and remove harmful content before it reaches a wider audience.
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant. The manosphere’s loosely connected nature makes it difficult to regulate, and its rapid evolution means that new tactics and strategies are needed to combat its spread.
As the manosphere continues to gain traction in Africa, it is crucial for policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations to come together to address the issue. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes raising public awareness, promoting healthy relationships, and holding those who spread hateful content accountable.
Ultimately, the rise of the manosphere in Africa highlights the urgent need for a collective effort to combat misogyny and promote respectful, inclusive online spaces. By working together, we can ensure that young people across the continent grow up in an environment where they are safe, supported, and empowered to be their best selves.
