- Eraj Fatima
A CALL TO ACTION
Men's Role in Creating a More Equitable World
Eraj Fatima
Picture your brother being bullied, overlooked by teachers, and neglected by society. Would you remain silent, or would you defend him? Naturally, you’d stand up for him, not just because he’s your brother, but because no living being deserves to be treated unjustly.
Just as you would defend a loved one from injustice, the same principle applies to society as a whole. When men witness discrimination against women, silence is not neutrality, it is complicity. Gender equality isn’t just about offering assistance, it’s about standing up for what’s right.
Growing up, I was fortunate to witness the impact of kind, supportive, and generous men around me, who respected the women in their lives and uplifted them.
My father and mother were equal partners, shared responsibilities at home and valued each other’s opinions in every decision. It was a subtle yet powerful lesson that respect and equality begin within our own families.
This experience shaped my belief that men can be strong allies in the fight for gender equality—not just through words, but through daily actions.
It is this mindset that I hope more men will embrace, creating a world where women are empowered, valued, and given the opportunities they deserve.
Men as Allies in Gender Equality
Gender equality and women’s rights are not just concerns for women; they are fundamental human rights issues. Women worldwide continue to fight for their rights, but true gender equality can only be achieved when men actively participate.
By reflecting on their actions, challenging societal norms, and using their influence for positive change, men can play a crucial role in creating a more just and equitable world.
Bell Hooks, a feminist theorist, once said:
“Patriarchy has no gender.“
True gender equality demands dismantling deep-rooted systems, institutions, and beliefs that sustain inequality. It is not just about supporting women; it is about transforming societies to be fair and just for all. Men and boys must be engaged as allies, advocates, and change-makers in this movement.
Here are key ways men can actively support women’s empowerment.
Engage in meaningful conversations with women in your life: family members, friends, colleagues, and partners. Listen to their experiences, understand their challenges, and ask how you can offer support. Solidarity begins with awareness and empathy.
Promoting gender equality begins with self-reflection. Examine your own beliefs and behaviors, identify any unconscious biases or stereotypes you may hold, and educate yourself on how to advocate for equality in everyday life.
Women’s struggle for equality spans centuries and cultures worldwide. Educating yourself about the history of women’s rights, including in your own country, is crucial in understanding the ongoing fight against gender-based discrimination.
As William Faulkner once said:
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world… would do this, it would change the earth.”
Be Mindful of the Content You Share
Avoid sharing content that normalizes or trivializes violence against women, even unintentionally. Graphic or disturbing content that portrays physical, psychological, or other forms of violence can perpetuate harmful narratives. Instead, amplify messages that promote respect, awareness, and justice.
Share Household and Emotional Labor
Women often bear the burden of household responsibilities disproportionately. Take on an equal share of chores and childcare. Be proactive in emotional and mental support rather than expecting women to manage it alone.
Support Women in the Workplace
Workplace inequality remains a significant issue, from wage gaps to underrepresentation in leadership roles. Men can be allies by advocating for equal pay, acknowledging women’s contributions, and actively calling out workplace sexism and unfair treatment.
Stand Against Victim Blaming
Reject the culture of victim blaming! Believe and support women when they share their experiences with harassment or violence. Trust that if it happened, then it did, and the one who suffered is not to be doubted, scrutinized, or blamed—she is a survivor, not an object of interrogation. Provide them with the respect, support, and empathy they need.
Avoid Sexist Language and Hate Speech
The way we speak influences how we think and treat others. Avoid language that disrespects or stereotypes women. Instead, use inclusive and respectful language, reinforcing equality rather than division.
Speak Up Against Violence
Violence against women is a deep wound in our society that must never be ignored. Whether it happens behind closed doors, in the workplace, or out in the open, every act of violence leaves scars that can last a lifetime. No woman should ever feel unsafe in her own home, threatened at work, or afraid to walk down the street. If we turn a blind eye, we become complicit in the suffering of countless women who endure abuse in silence. But if we take a stand by speaking out, intervening when possible, reporting incidents, and offering unwavering support to survivors, we become part of the solution. We give survivors hope, strength, and the courage to heal.
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam said:
“The best way to change society and the underlying issues is to channelize the power of women in every walk of life.”
Gender equality isn’t just a women’s fight; it’s a collective responsibility. Real change happens when men take accountability and actively work to break down the systems that sustain inequality. That means listening to women, understanding the challenges they face every day, standing by them, and calling out gender bias when they see it. Change starts with individual actions, but lasting progress demands commitment for the long haul.
This Women’s Day, let’s go beyond celebrations. Let’s commit to action—ensuring that women have the same rights, opportunities, and respect as everyone else. Change begins with individuals, but true progress demands a collective effort. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and create a future where gender equality is not just an ideal, but a “REALITY.”
