Empowering Women: Why Men Must Be Included in the Journey

The concept of empowering women is often met with resistance from some men who fear it might undermine their traditional roles or status. However, the reality is that true and sustainable progress towards gender equality cannot be achieved without the active participation and support of men. Here’s why:

The Insecurity Trap

There’s a misconception that empowering women inherently diminishes the value or importance of men. This often leads to men feeling insecure when efforts are made to support women’s empowerment. Men crying out for “male empowerment” out of fear of losing something they believe they have is both misinformed and counterproductive. Real women want equality, not partiality, and similarly, real men should not be afraid of women’s empowerment. Gender equality is not about reducing value but about increasing the collective potential of all people.

A Generational Lesson

The history of feminism in many parts of the world, including North America, shows that prioritizing women’s rights without adequately addressing men’s perspectives and needs can lead to significant backlash and division. This is not just a domestic issue but a global one. My generation, the X-ers, was the first to witness and experience the aggressive focus on women’s rights that often overlooked men’s concerns. The result was a generation of women who left feminism in frustration, feeling that it did not sufficiently acknowledge or accommodate their desires to maintain traditional family roles.

The Impact on Community and Relationships

In communities where traditional family-based structures dominate, exclusion of men from the discourse on women’s empowerment can exacerbate existing issues. For instance, in remote or conservative towns, women are often deeply involved in family dynamics. Efforts to empower them without considering the men in their lives can create more problems than they solve. Activating men as allies in the fight for women’s rights can help bridge these gaps and foster a more cohesive and supportive community.

Moving Beyond Labeling

The journey towards true gender equality involves recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of both men and women, without rigid labels. In many cultures, there’s a deep-seated understanding that certain traits are associated with either gender. However, in our interconnected world, this framework is shifting. It’s important to honor both masculine and feminine traits in all individuals, without judgment. Embracing this holistic approach can help build a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Role of Men

When men genuinely defend and promote the rights and freedoms for others that they themselves enjoy, a significant paradigm shift can occur. Men need to actively support and advocate for women and other men in their communities. When men have no tolerance for mistreatment or harmful behavior, they contribute to creating a safer and more just environment. This mutual support and advocacy are crucial for fostering genuine equality.

Empowering women is not a zero-sum game where one group gains while the other loses. Instead, it’s a journey towards full humanity, where both genders can thrive and support each other. By including men in the conversation and empowering them to be allies in the fight for gender equality, we can create a more just and balanced world.