Woman’s assault of footballer Khuda Myaba sparks calls for equal protection of male abuse victims

A viral video showing professional footballer Khuda Myaba being grabbed by his clothes and slapped by a woman believed by some social media users to be his former wife has sparked debate about whether men receive the same protection and support as women in cases of abuse.

In the video, Muyaba, who previously served as a soldier, does not retaliate despite being physically assaulted. His restraint has earned praise from many social media users, who have described his reaction as mature and responsible.

“Big up Khuda, you are wise. That woman wanted to get you in trouble,” commented Twasy Lameck on one of the Facebook pages where the video was shared.

While many have commended Muyaba for keeping his composure, the incident has also triggered wider discussions about the response of human rights organisations and gender advocates when men become victims of abuse.

Comments posted across several Facebook pages indicate that some men feel cases involving male victims often receive little attention compared to incidents in which women are abused.

Among those expressing concern is renowned social media commentator Ibrahim Swed, who criticized what he described as the silence of human rights organisations following the incident.

“If the man had been the one who had beaten the woman like this, he would have already been wearing handcuffs. To be honest, we men have no real rights, we look like wild animals in the eyes of the law, no matter what. I don’t know why. The men’s organisation is there just to circumcise us, not fight for our rights. It is as if the laws of the whole world were written only by women?” Swed said in a Facebook post, translated from Chichewa.

Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, arguing that justice should be applied equally regardless of gender and that all victims of abuse deserve protection and support.