This November, AWiB hosts HER Monthly Event on the title ‘Men behind SHEROES’ where the speakers discuss the pertinent issue of how men’s support is vital in women’s success. This paper dives into the topic of ‘Lifting Her Up – The Vital Role Men Play’. It assesses how men can actively engage in overcoming gender inequality, violence and contribute to women’s success.

The journey towards gender equality is not solely the responsibility of women; it requires the active participation and support of men at various levels to affect meaningful change. In the pursuit of gender equality, men play a vital role as allies, advocates, and active participants in creating a more just, inclusive, equitable and prosperous society.

Different Ways Men Can Actively Support Women

a.    Taking a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination

Men have a crucial role in taking a stand against gender-based violence and discrimination to create a safer, more respectful, and more equitable society. Gender-based violence and discrimination are pervasive issues that disproportionately affect women and girls, perpetuating cycles of harm and inequality. By speaking out against all forms of violence and discrimination directed at women, men can help challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate gender inequality.

Taking a stand against gender-based violence and discrimination involves actively supporting survivors, advocating for policies and practices that prevent violence, and promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect and consent. Men can help create a culture of accountability where harmful behaviors are not tolerated.

Men who speak out against gender-based violence and discrimination demonstrate their commitment to creating a society where all individuals can live free from fear, harm, and discrimination. By promoting healthy and respectful relationships, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors, and advocating for policies that protect and empower survivors, men can help create a safer world for everyone. Through their actions and advocacy, men can help change societal norms and expectations, creating a more just and equitable society where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

b.   Challenging Stereotypes and Redefining Masculinity

Men have a role in challenging stereotypes and redefining masculinity to promote gender equality and create a more inclusive society. Traditional notions of masculinity often emphasize traits like dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression, which can be limiting for both men and women. By actively challenging these stereotypes and embracing a more diverse and inclusive understanding of masculinity, men can pave the way for healthier and more fulfilling relationships and contribute to breaking down barriers that hinder women’s progress.

Redefining masculinity involves encouraging men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, and cooperation. By valuing these traits and promoting a more expansive view of what it means to be a man, men can create a culture that is more accepting and supportive of diverse expressions of gender. This shift in mindset not only benefits men themselves but also creates space for women to be seen and valued as equals in all aspects of life.

Men who challenge stereotypes and redefine masculinity demonstrate courage and leadership by advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society. By rejecting harmful beliefs that equate masculinity with power and control, men open the door to more authentic and meaningful relationships with themselves and others. Through their actions and words, men can inspire positive change and empower others to embrace a more diverse and inclusive view of masculinity.

c.    Encouraging Positive Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Women

Men play a significant role in encouraging positive behaviors and attitudes toward women to foster a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment. By modeling respectful and supportive behavior in their interactions with women, men can set a positive example for others to follow. This includes actively listening to women’s perspectives, valuing their contributions, and treating them as equals in all aspects of life.

Encouraging positive behaviors and attitudes toward women involves challenging sexist attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate gender inequality. Men can actively work to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and inclusion where women feel empowered to assert themselves and pursue their goals. By creating an environment where women are valued and respected, men contribute to building a society where gender equality is not just a goal but a lived reality.

Men who champion positive attitudes toward women help create a supportive environment where women feel empowered to express themselves and contribute their talents to the fullest. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration, men can help break down barriers that limit women’s participation and success in various spheres of life.

d.   Promoting Equal Opportunities and Rights for Women

Men have a critical role to play in promoting equal opportunities and rights for women to advance gender equality and create a more just and inclusive society. By advocating for policies and practices that support women’s access to education, employment, leadership positions, and decision-making roles, men can help level the playing field and create an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Promoting equal opportunities and rights for women involves actively supporting initiatives that address gender disparities and promote gender equity in various spheres of life. Men can work to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in society and advocate for inclusive policies that ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Men who promote equal opportunities and rights for women demonstrate their commitment to fairness, justice, and equality. By standing up against gender bias, discrimination, and inequality, men can help create a more supportive and enabling environment for women to thrive and succeed. Through their advocacy and allyship, men can help change cultural norms and expectations that perpetuate gender disparities and contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive world for all.

e.    Advocating for and Supporting Women’s Voices

Men have a pivotal role in advocating for and supporting women’s voices to foster gender equality and create a more inclusive society. By actively championing women’s perspectives, men can help dismantle the societal barriers that have historically marginalized and silenced women, contributing to a more diverse and representative public discourse.

One way men can support women’s voices is by actively listening to and amplifying their experiences and viewpoints. By valuing women’s insights, men can enrich discussions, promote empathy, and deepen understanding across society. Men can create platforms for women to speak by seeking out their input, respecting their opinions, and ensuring their voices are central to decision-making processes.

f.     Supporting Women in Leadership Positions and Amplifying Their Achievements

Men play a vital role in supporting women in leadership positions and amplifying their achievements to promote gender equality and create a more balanced and empowered society. By actively advocating for women’s advancement and recognizing their accomplishments, men can help break down barriers that hinder women’s progress in the professional landscape.

Men can support women in leadership by actively promoting gender diversity in decision-making roles and advocating for inclusive practices that ensure equal opportunities for women to advance. By mentoring and sponsoring women, providing them with opportunities for growth and development, and advocating for policies that promote gender parity, men can help create environments where women can thrive and lead with confidence.

Amplifying women’s achievements involves recognizing and celebrating their successes, both publicly and within professional circles. Men can use their platforms and influence to highlight the accomplishments of women, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and valued. By actively promoting women’s achievements, men can help challenge stereotypes and biases that undermine women’s credibility and pave the way for greater recognition and advancement.

Men can also play a role in addressing the systemic challenges that hinder women’s progress in leadership positions, such as unconscious bias, lack of representation, and unequal opportunities. By advocating for fair and inclusive practices, supporting initiatives that promote women’s leadership development, and actively working to create a culture of respect and equality, men can help create pathways for women to excel and lead in diverse fields.

In supporting women in leadership positions and amplifying their achievements, men not only contribute to gender equality but also benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents that women bring to leadership roles. By recognizing and promoting women’s leadership potential, men can help create a more inclusive and innovative professional landscape where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions.

Investing in women’s businesses is also a strategic decision to support women leaders and entrepreneurs. Men can play a crucial role in providing financial support, mentorship, and access to networks for women entrepreneurs, helping to level the playing field and empower women to succeed in the competitive business landscape.

Creating Equal Partnerships and Mentoring the Next Generation

By actively promoting egalitarian relationships and guiding and supporting young individuals, men can contribute to breaking down gender stereotypes, encouraging personal growth, and recognizing women’s role in unpaid labor.

Men can champion and model mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and open communication within their relationships. Men can help dismantle traditional gender roles and promote a more balanced division of labor within relationships by actively participating in

• household chores,
• childcare, and
• decision-making processes

Men can create spaces where both parties feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive by supporting their partners’

• career aspirations,
• emotional well-being, and
• personal growth

Moreover, men can mentor the next generation by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for young individuals to learn and grow. By sharing their knowledge, experiences, and insights, men can help shape young boys and men and instill in them the values of empathy, respect, and equality.

Men can also challenge harmful stereotypes by modeling positive behaviors and attitudes in their interactions. By promoting values of equality, empathy, and understanding, men can help break down barriers that limit individuals based on their gender. Encouraging young people to question societal norms, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice and equality, men can inspire future generations in modeling their behavior towards those values.

In mentoring the next generation, men can provide support and guidance to young individuals facing challenges and obstacles in their personal and professional lives. By offering encouragement, advice, and opportunities, men can contribute to building a more resilient, empathetic, and inclusive society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Conclusion

Men play a pivotal role in uplifting women by advocating for their voices and supporting their representation in all spheres of society. By actively championing women’s perspectives and experiences, men contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable world where all individuals have the opportunity to be heard and valued.

Supporting women’s voices involves actively listening to and amplifying their viewpoints, creating spaces where women feel empowered to speak up, and challenging stereotypes and biases that limit their visibility and influence. Men can play a crucial role in promoting gender diversity in leadership positions, advocating for inclusive practices, and ensuring equal opportunities for women to participate and excel.

In advocating for women’s voices, men contribute to enriching public discourse, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting greater gender equality. By recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and actively working to ensure women’s representation and impact, men help create a more just, inclusive, and harmonious society for everyone.

Moreover, men can support women in leadership positions by actively promoting their advancement, recognizing their achievements, and providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. By advocating for policies that promote gender parity and challenging systemic barriers, men help create environments where women can thrive and lead with confidence.

Amplifying women’s achievements involves celebrating their successes, both publicly and within professional circles, and ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and valued. By using their platforms and influence to highlight women’s accomplishments, men can challenge stereotypes, inspire others, and pave the way for greater recognition and advancement for women in various fields.

In supporting women in leadership positions and amplifying their achievements, men not only advance gender equality but also benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents that women bring to leadership roles. By recognizing and promoting women’s leadership potential, men contribute to creating a more inclusive and innovative professional landscape where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions.

Men can foster equal partnerships by promoting mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and open communication within relationships. By actively participating in household chores, childcare, and decision-making processes, men can help break down traditional gender roles and create spaces where both partners feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Furthermore, men can mentor the next generation by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for young individuals to learn and grow. By sharing their knowledge, experiences, and insights, men can help shape the development of future leaders and instill values of empathy, respect, and equality in the upcoming generation.

In summary, men’s roles in uplifting women are multifaceted and essential for fostering a more balanced, inclusive, and empowered society. By advocating for women’s voices, supporting their leadership, fostering equal partnerships, and mentoring the next generation, men contribute to breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a more equitable and just world for all individuals.

AWiB invites its members and guests, especially men, to join HER on an engaging event and discussion on the topic of “Men Behind SHE-ROES” on November 7, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

References

1. Forecasting time spent in unpaid care and domestic work by UNWomen https://data.unwomen.org/publications/forecasting-time-spent-unpaid-care-and-domestic-work
2. 7 Ways Men Can be Better Allies for Gender Equality by UNFPA https://menengage.unfpa.org/en/news/7-ways-men-can-be-better-allies-gender-equality
3. 9 Ways For Men To Be Allies In the Fight For Women’s Human Rights by He For She https://www.heforshe.org/en/9-ways-men-can-become-allies-equal-rights
4. Women Empowerment by Men -Beliefs and Practices by Ali Jagne https://www.saggfoundation.org/blog/women-empowerment-by-men-beliefs-and-practices
5. 5 Ways We Can Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment Globally by By Leah Rodriguez https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ways-to-promote-womens-economic-empowerment/
6. Empowering Women Begins with Encouraging Men to Be Better by Amadeus https://medium.com/kevins-dead/empowering-women-starts-with-empowering-men-to-be-better-72a8d5956f99