March Essay Competition
March 9 — March 22, 2026,
Prompt
The average man, regardless of creed, family background, religion, personal convictions, or social, economic, or marital status, will always feel threatened or intimidated by a successful, strong, independent woman.
Competition Home Page
Essay
Score
TO THE MEN
March 15, 2026
¡ 999 words
¡ 5 min read
<p>When I first saw this prompt, I realized there was much to discuss. On the surface, it appears to suggest that men feel insecure around successful women. However, the issue goes deeper than insecurity. It raises an important question: why do some men feel threatened by strong and independent women? In many societies today, the success of women is sometimes perceived as a threat by certain men. While there is some truth in this statement, it is also important to recognize that not all men feel intimidated by strong and independent women.
</p><p>Growing up, I often heard the saying that âbehind every successful man is a woman.â However, it is interesting that when the situation is reversed, some men expect women to choose between their success and their relationships. In Nigerian society, men have traditionally been viewed as the providers and leaders of the family. This belief did not begin recently; it has existed for generations, long before our parents and grandparents were born. From a young age, many boys are taught that they are the heads of the family. As a result, they grow up observing womenâmothers, sisters, and auntsâprimarily performing domestic roles for the household. These women are often taught to show respect and submission to the men in the family, even when the âmanâ is a child.
</p><p>Because of this, some men feel uncomfortable when they encounter women who are financially independent and capable of providing for themselves and their families. This reaction is not always a matter of ego or arrogance; rather, itâs often the result of the social and cultural beliefs they were raised with. Their ideology is therefore shaped by their families and by society. In that sense, can they truly be blamed for holding beliefs that have been reinforced throughout their lives?
</p><p>On the other hand, some men who were not raised strictly within these traditional beliefs may still struggle with the idea of having a partner who is highly successful. In such cases, these women may be labeled as ânot marriage materialâ because they are perceived as too independent or unwilling to submit. Consequently, some men prefer partners who remain within traditional domestic roles, where their success is tied mainly to supporting their husbands and maintaining the household.
</p><p>This attitude also extends beyond relationships and into wider society. Women often have to work harder in professional environments to gain recognition. In many parts of the world, men still earn higher wages than women for similar work. In Nigeria, some landlords prefer renting to a single man rather than to a single woman. In certain African cultures, inheritance is also more commonly passed to male children, while women are excluded. Although there may be different explanations for these practices, they still reflect a broader system that places men above women, where the idea that a woman could have more power or success than a man is often seen as unfathomable.
</p><p>There was a tweet some time ago about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Natasha from Nigeria. The post suggested that one day she might become president of Nigeria. However, instead of supporting her, many people in the comment section were insulting her. Why? Because in the minds of some people, a woman must never lead or rise above a man.
</p><p>For this reason, the issue is not simply ignorance but also intimidation and fear. When women are placed on the same level as men in terms of opportunity and success, some men feel their traditional position is being challenged. As the saying goes, people often fear what they do not understand. However, in this case, many men are aware of womenâs capabilities. Ultimately, it all boils down to society. As long as society allows these attitudes and practices to continue, true change will remain difficult.
</p><p>Though I believe that some men will always feel intimidated, there are others who take pride in seeing the women in their lives grow and succeed. Somewhere along the line, someone said that what a man can do, a woman can do better. I believe change often begins in the home. Families today are giving their daughters the education they need to succeed in a changing society. They place their daughters on the same pedestal as their sons. Even when their sons achieve success, they are no longer afraid to celebrate their daughtersâ achievements as well. Instead of asking, âWho will marry her?â people now say that the man who marries her is a lucky man.
</p><p>Fathers and mothers are raising not just boys anymore, but men who will respect their sisters and support the women in their lives without feeling threatened by their success or achievements. These men understand that admiration and respect can exist alongside ambition and independence. Afterall, confidence attracts confidence.
</p><p>There is something about education that changes perspectives. A man who is well educated and properly exposed will understand that a womanâs success does not threaten his own. He sees women leading in many parts of the world and begins to question why the same opportunities should not exist for the women around him. This often leads him to question traditions, religious interpretations, and cultural beliefs that have historically limited womenâs progress.
</p><p>They also understand that the economic burden cannot rest on them alone, so they encourage the women in their lives to be successful rather than remain idle. They recognize that the future is unpredictable and that both partners must be prepared for whatever challenges may arise. However, one might ask: if the economy were different, would some men return to the traditional expectations that society promotes? Perhaps we will never know.
</p><p> While some men may feel intimidated due to traditional beliefs and social conditioning, many others appreciate and support independent women. As societies continue to evolve and promote equality, more men are beginning to see women not as competitors but as partners. Ultimately, the issue lies not in womenâs success, but in the outdated expectations that society has placed on both men and women.
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