Television host Mathira, in an interview, expressed her belief that society had turned men into “machines” by placing overwhelming responsibilities on them while discouraging them from expressing emotions. She also argued that mothers and wives played an important role in fostering emotional intelligence so men could become better caregivers and family members.

During the interview, she discussed the consequences of raising boys to suppress their emotions. “Men also suffer in this society. The sad reality is that we have turned men into ‘machines.’ We don’t let them express emotions and instead burden them with endless responsibilities,” she said.

She also stressed that upbringing played a key role in shaping emotionally healthy men. “Many men become exhausted by the pressure of work and responsibilities. As a result, they struggle to be good fathers, husbands, sons, or brothers. If we teach boys that it’s okay to have emotions and even experience depression, things can change. Unfortunately, many men don’t feel comfortable opening up, even to their closest friends,” Mathira noted.

Further, she argued that parents, and not television or social media, were primarily responsible for raising emotionally aware children. “We need to rethink these roles in society and remind wives and mothers that raising children is their responsibility. Television and social media cannot raise your kids. You decide what they watch, what they learn, and what kind of people they become. There is good and bad everywhere, but it depends on how you teach them to deal with it,” she stated.

According to the host, while wives could encourage emotional growth in their husbands, the foundation was ultimately established during childhood. “Create a healthy environment from an early age. Children are much more impressionable when they’re young. By adulthood, it’s much harder to change these habits. That’s why I believe this responsibility begins with mothers,” she explained.

As a mother of three sons, she shared that she encouraged her children to express their feelings openly. “I’ve always told them it’s okay to cry, feel sad, or admit they’re in a bad mood. They know they can share their feelings with their friends. Emotional safety comes from both mom and dad,” she said.

The host also stated that she taught her children to not judge others. “I have raised my children in a women-led household with my mother, my sister, and me. They understand how society often judges women. I’ve always told my boys that if they see a woman on the street, they have no right to judge her,” Mathira shared.

Reflecting on her life as a divorced single mother, she said both men and women should embrace qualities traditionally associated with the other. “Everyone has both feminine and masculine qualities. Men need emotional sensitivity to better understand women, while women also need strength and confidence to set boundaries, deal with challenges, and stand up for themselves,” she said.

Besides being a television host, social media personality, and participant in fashion events, Mathira also features on podcasts and uses her online platforms to discuss social issues such as public health.