In this ever-evolving society, men can increasingly see that their lives are also damaged by a system of gender inequality that harms women and girls. Women’s and men’s lives are shaped by gender relations or the gender order in many ways. Men hold part of the solution to ensuring equality. Men can utilise their power to advocate for equality, set a positive example for their peers, and make it a shared duty.
Men are also constantly affected by gender discrimination. Toxic masculinity is created and perpetuated by unfair gender norms, stereotypes, and expectations. These, for instance, might lead to males repressing their emotions and feelings of vulnerability and making mental health concerns stigmatised. This limits their ability to ask for and accept support while still upholding the need to be strong, aggressive, and independent. These constructs also pressure men to support their families and be the breadwinners, increasing social and psychological pressure on them. Man’s ability to manage work and family life may suffer as a result of the expectation that they have to provide for the family, making it more difficult for them to go beyond the barriers of gender roles. Rigid and conventional gender norms might encourage dangerous behaviours that increase the likelihood of violence, poor health, especially preventative health, and a shorter life span.
Men need to play their part to ensure the females around them, close to them, can flourish and be empowered. It can be their wife, sister, mother, daughter, or friend. This will lead to a healthy outcome for everyone involved.
Men promoting gender equality in workplace
More and more women are joining and working alongside their male colleagues and actively participating shoulder-to-shoulder in their workplace. Even women-led companies are not a rare scenario anymore.
It makes sense that creating a gender-equal workplace has gained importance in recent years. Employees are more likely to be engaged and effective at work when they feel treated fairly and respectfully. A variety of viewpoints and experiences helps foster more original problem-solving and decision-making in an office. Equal career chances for men and women are another positive effect of gender equality, which benefits both the individual and the business as a whole. The workplace may be made more welcoming and inclusive for all employees if gender equality is prioritised, ultimately resulting in great success and satisfaction for all parties.
By being allies, denouncing sexist behaviour, and promoting equal chances in the workplace, men may actively contribute to gender equality. It is time to acknowledge that achieving gender equality is a problem for all people, not just women and that men must play a role in finding a solution.
Men need to take the time to listen to the experiences of their female colleagues and take their concerns seriously without interrupting or attempting to minimise their opinions. To treat female coworkers fairly, men should highlight their positive ideas and discuss them with superiors.
If you’re a guy, you need to stand up for policies and rules that eliminate discrimination and improve equality, such as pay transparency, parental leave, maternity leave, period leave, and private reporting systems for sexual harassment, to close the “allyship gap” between intention and action. They must also speak out and push for change when they notice inequality.
Male bosses, leaders, and supervisors should not hesitate to solicit criticism and hold themselves accountable for supporting the cause of gender equality. They can set a good example by acting inclusively and speaking out against bias.
Our workplaces need to consider the reproductive health of female coworkers. To eliminate structural inequities in the workplace, providing menstruation and maternity leave is crucial. When a female employee comes to their supervisors or managers with her unique and sensitive needs, she must have a safe space to share them without fear or hesitation. Menstrual leave and maternity leave are policies that help to eliminate taboos. Every female in a workplace should have the right and security to avail them when necessary. Parental leave rules were first intended to combine family and career obligations while safeguarding a mother’s and her child’s health at a young age. The primary economic component of these policies is the ability to return to a former employment position within a specific time frame (job-protected leave). However, the consequences of family regulations on the labour market are complicated and not always clear.
Men should also be aware of any unconscious biases that may have a negative impact on their interactions and make an effort to challenge and unlearn them. By being allies, denouncing sexist behaviour, and promoting equal opportunities in the workplace, men may actively contribute to gender equality.
Author-Tahia Afra Jannati
