Women’s rights advocate Miria Matembe has called for a shift in social norms that would allow women to openly propose to men in romantic relationships.
Matembe, a long-time campaigner for gender equality and women’s empowerment, says it is outdated for society to expect women to remain passive while waiting for men to make the first move.
She argues that if a woman is interested in a man, she should feel free to express it without fear or stigma.
“Initially, women are not expected to approach a man first, but I want to push this agenda: if a woman sees a man she is interested in, she should go ahead and tell him. There is nothing wrong with that,” Matembe said.
According to her, despite years of advocacy for equality, many communities still hold on to traditional expectations that place men in dominant roles in initiating relationships, while women are expected to wait.
Matembe also questioned why some men feel uncomfortable when women express interest in them, describing it as an unnecessary social barrier.
“Men often say they are the stronger and more confident gender, but some become uncomfortable when a woman simply expresses interest in them. I do not understand why such a simple gesture should be feared,” she added.
