A recent study titled The International Men and Gender Equality Survey - Middle East and North Africa (IMAGES MENA) revealed that a majority of men in the region still believe in gender-roles.
The study, conducted by UN Women and Promundo, a global organization that promotes gender equality, is the first of its kind in the region.
It surveyed nearly 10,000 men and women in four countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine.
The results? Two-thirds of men surveyed believe a woman's main role should be taking care of the household
A majority of the men surveyed - two-thirds to more than three-quarters to be exact - believe that a woman's main role in society should be taking care of the household.
More than three-quarter of men, and women at nearly the same rate, believe men's access to the job market should be prioritized over women's.
"It is not just men who uphold the patriarchy, women buy into a lot of these attitudes as well," said Shereen El Feki, senior fellow at Promundo, adding that greater equality would require changing both mindsets.
However, a percentage of men explained that they were willing to accept having a working female partner - as long as he remains the main financial provider.
Up to 90 percent of men in some countries think they have the right to control their wives' freedom
Up to 90 percent of men surveyed in some countries think they have the right to control their wives' freedom - from how they dressed to how often the couple had sex.
The survey also revealed that a majority of men across Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and the Palestinian territories committed acts of domestic violence and sexual harassment against women.
"Too many men in the region continue to uphold norms that perpetuate violence against women or confine women to conventional roles, and they act on these attitudes in ways that cause harm to women, children, and themselves," the report says.
Around 10 percent to 45 percent of ever-married men (men who are married or who have been married) reported physical violence against a female partner, and between 20 to 80 percent of men admitted to emotional violence against their wives.
A sizable minority are advocates of gender equality
About half of the men –or fewer – believed a married woman should have the same right to work as a man.
A quarter or more of the 4,830 men aged between 18 and 59 surveyed believe in gender equality.
"These men question violence against women, agree with certain laws that safeguard women’s rights, support women in leadership positions, and often want to spend more time caring for their children," the report says.
In Egypt and Morocco, men from urban areas were more pro-equality.
In Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco, there was little difference between younger and older men on gender attitudes.
In Lebanon, there was a slight difference, as younger men had slightly more equitable views.
Read the full report here.