This Man Has Been Isolated for 55 Years Due to His Fear of Women

Some are afraid of heights, while others (including myself), are even afraid of insects. And although most of us have learned that fears and phobias are rational, what happens if they are taken a bit to the extreme? But, how extreme are we talking? Well, one African man named, Cakkutxe Nzamwita, has been getting a lot of attention online for his unique fear. And that is his fear of women.

The Man Who Has a Fear of Women

Callitxe Nzamwita, a 71-year-old man from Rwanda, has spent 55 years in isolation, avoiding any contact with women due to a severe fear called gynophobia. He locked himself inside a heavily fortified house at 16 and has remained there, disconnected from the outside world. Nzamwita has taken extensive measures to avoid encounters with women, resulting in a lifestyle confined to a single room, as depicted in a documentary by Rwandan publisher Afrimax English.

The extraordinary tale of isolation first came to light in August after human interest storytellers sought to understand how he manages his daily chores, including eating, sleeping, and relieving himself – in his one-room hideout.

Nzamwita’s living space includes a makeshift bed with a raised wooden shelter for safety, a pit for urination, and a kitchen area. He gets supplies from women but avoids direct interaction. His female neighbors toss items into his house, as he prefers not to engage with them. Despite his fear, he accepts their help from a distance due to poverty. His minimalist lifestyle minimizes interactions, compelling him to face his fear only on rare occasions outside his women-free dwelling.

Is the Fear of Women Real?

The fear of women, known as gynophobia, is a recognized psychological condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear. It is a real phenomenon that can significantly impact an individual’s life and behavior.

Individuals with gynophobia may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when they are in the presence of women or even at the thought of interacting with them. This fear can manifest in various ways, leading to avoidance of social situations, relationships, or any contact with women.

Like many phobias, gynophobia can stem from various factors, such as past traumatic experiences, cultural or societal influences, or learned behaviors. Treatment often involves therapy techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals understand and cope with their fears. In some cases, medication might also be prescribed to manage associated anxiety.

How Does He Manage to “Escape” Women?

To firmly convey his message, he built a 15-foot high fence around his house, sealing himself within to prevent any contact with women. In an interview, he expressed his motivation, admitting, “I locked myself inside and fenced my house to make sure women stay away.” He confessed that the presence of women instilled fear in him.

Despite his fear of women, his female neighbors, ironically, play a crucial role in his survival, offering essential support. One of his neighbors mentioned that he has seldom been spotted outside his property since childhood. His neighbors, including the women he fears, support him by supplying food and groceries. He avoids interaction and keeps his distance when they try to help, leading them to leave what he needs at his house for him to collect once they have gone.

What are you afraid of the most?

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