TRAPPED in a culture that praises endurance of emotional expression, countless men endure unseen wounds and unspoken pressure, a silent torment that is all too often ignored in the societal conversation.
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As the world celebrated the invaluable contributions of fathers on the occasion of Father’s Day yesterday, veteran journalist Frank Mutubila with seven decades of life experiences, took the opportunity to reflect on the under-appreciated emotional burden that many men silently endure.
Mutubila elaborated on the heartbreaking reality of men’s suppressed emotions, painting a picture of their unacknowledged pain and internal conflict.
“Some of us men live in sadness we cannot express, love we do not know how to show, yet we keep showing up for our families not because we possess superpowers, but because we believe they deserve our strength, even when it is running low,” he stated.
Mutubila explained that many men are frequently conditioned to be providers and protectors but are rarely given the emotional support and understanding they need.
He stated that this imbalance leads many men to shoulder their burdens alone with no outlet to process their feelings or solace.
Mutubila reinforced his message, emphasising the importance of true strength in fatherhood, a strength that transcends endurance and embraces emotional presence.
“True strength lies not in keeping quiet or remaining detached but in nurturing authentic connections with our loved ones. It is in the moments of setting aside distractions, looking our children in the eyes, and being fully present that we teach them, by modeling the behaviour we wish to see in them, with our actions speaking louder than any words could,” he reiterated.
“True strength is loving their mother with honour, knowing when to speak and when to listen. It is letting our children see our humanity, not just our hard work. It is in this way that we raise sons who are grounded, and daughters who are secure.”
As he paid tribute to many fathers navigating the complexities of fatherhood, Mutubila recognised the everyday efforts of men who strive for improvement, addressing the often overlooked emotional struggles faced by fathers.
“On this Father’s Day, I honour every man who is trying, learning, healing and standing. You are not invisible. You are not alone, you are not failing, we appreciate you,” he said.
He further opened up about the impact his commitment to hands-on fatherhood had on his relationship with his children, revealing how he approached fatherhood at a young age and nurtured his family bond through consistent presence, care, and affection.
“I became a father at 23 and I had no guidebook for fatherhood, just the examples I saw while growing up – discipline, faith, and a consistent presence in my own life. So that’s what I did,” he recounted.
“Let us keep building, keep loving, and keep growing. Let us raise a generation that remembers our presence more than our pressure.”
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 16, 2025
