Why we need Male Allyship

We live in a time where astonishingly women are still struggling to gain the success, respect and recognition they deserve in the workplace. The need for support from male allies is greater than ever.

Male allyship refers to men who actively support and advocate for gender equality, challenge sexism and misogyny, and work towards creating a more equitable society for all genders. Male allyship is vital to women who face systemic gender inequality and discrimination across all areas of life on a daily basis. This includes the workplace, educational institutions, in our social and cultural norms, and even personal relationships. Women have been advocating for equal rights and opportunities for centuries, and while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.

In the workplace, built by men for men, not unsurprisingly,  women get push back when they try to navigate the unwritten rules which are not designed with them in mind. They experience discrimination, everyday sexism, and worse, which over time escalates to mental health issues and burnout. 66-75% of incidents are unreported.

When men are allies, they can use their privilege and influence to amplify women’s voices and create space for them to be heard. They can also help break down gender stereotypes and promote positive representations of women in all our organisations as well as the media and society in general.

Building a culture of respect

By being allies, men can help to create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and equality, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. This is not only beneficial for women but also for men themselves, as it allows them to be more aware of their own biases and work towards becoming better allies and advocates for gender equality. Ultimately, male allyship is important because it is a crucial step toward achieving true gender equality and creating a better future for all genders.

Dorothy Dalton is joined by a leading authority on male allyship Robert Baker CEO of Potentia Talent Consulting and renown  D&I Strategist and Male Ally. They discuss what this means, some practical advice for men who want to become male allies, and tips for women who need their support.