FOCUS 09
www.readmetro.com March 2016
The key role of men in gender equality International Women’s Day. Men benefit from gender equality almost as much as women. So just why aren’t we doing more to level the playing field? It is ridiculous that women are still forced to fight for equality, considering that first-wave feminism began in the nineteenth century. And although advancements have been made, equality in its truest sense is still a long way off. One of the greatest barriers to gender parity is the fact that we still live and work in a male dominated society. According to UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, female workers in most countries earn, on average, between 60 to 75 per cent of that of their male counterparts. While 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of their partner. Many of the figures on inequality and violence suffered by women, show that these problems are generated or at least condoned by men, which is why it’s vital that men join the fight for a fair society. “Feminism is about making positive change in society. Men have a crucial role in this project. Feminism is about everyday issues such as sexism, globalization, and racism. There are all sorts of ways men can – and do – get involved,” says Shira Tarrant, the author of “Men and Feminism”. Currently, there are a significant number of campaigns promoting actions to end gender inequality. The most important of which is perhaps HeForShe, which was launched in 2014 by UN Women and supported by British actress Emma Watson. Since its inception, the organzation has worked to improve
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Famous feminist quotes... said by men
Q&A
“Feminism is not about men losing” Michael Kaufman
Author of “The Guy’s Guide to Feminism”
Could you explain how understanding and supporting feminism can help men live richer, fuller, and happier lives? Feminism is definitely about women gaining. But it is not about men losing. Gender equality means that the women we love – our wives, daughters, sisters, and friends – will have the same opportunities we do. It means that relationships between women and men will be based on equality, which ultimately makes them stronger and more fulfilling. It means that our governments, businesses, unions, and religious institutions will better reflect our society. And it will also mean that men will be freed from the narrow definitions of manhood that keep us trapped. Why is it crucial to educate men about feminism? Men still have power in our male-dominated socie-
“All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights the world will be a better place.” John Legend, singer
ism initiated by men: these include organisations against sexual violence, such as One in Four and Men Can Stop
“Women are responsible for two-thirds of the work done worldwide, yet earn only 10 percent of the total income and own 1 percent of the property… So, are we equals? Until the answer is yes, we must never stop asking.” Daniel Craig, Actor
What actions are currently carried out by men in favor of gender equality? I’m very proud to say that all over the world, men are speaking out for gender equality. We are working to end men’s violence against women. We are seeing childcare and housework as our equal responsibility. We still have a long way to go, but this is a a very positive development. What should be done to integrate men in the fight for gender equality? Men must respect women’s leadership and not try to take over, but at the same time realize we have a critical role in bringing about gender justice. DANIEL CASILLAS / METRO WORLD NEWS
be equality, only a slim majority – fifty five percent – of women agree that they have full equality with men and the freedom to achieve their dreams and aspirations. It is a fact that men have a central role in preventing gender-based physical, emotional, and economic violence but, what should be the role of men in the pursuit of gender equality? “Men must listen to the voices and concerns of women to understand how inequality and discrimination effects them,” explains Michael Kaufman, author of “The Guy’s Guide to Feminism”. Not only must men learn to listen about the problem of violence against women but they must also take responsibility to help bring about change. Kaufman adds: “We must stand as allies at women’s sides.”
Rape, as well as campaigns by MenCare and MenEngage. But why should a man care about gender equality?
Specialists agree that equality benefits men too: it boosts their wellbeing; helps create a greater balance between their work and family life and improves the employment opportunities for their daughters. Men should care about feminism “for the sake of the women they love and for their own sake too”, explains Nikki Van Der Gaag, independent writer specialising in men and gender equality and author of “Feminism and Men”. International surveys show that there are a significant number of men who consider themselves feminists and who are in favor of gender equality. A poll by global research company Ipsos, published in 2014, found that 48 percent of men in 15 developed countries self-identify as “feminists” and 58 per cent of those men agree with gender equality and even promote it in social networks. Despite the large proportion who believe that there should
“I’m attracted to films that have strong female characters because there are strong female characters in my life.”
“I do call myself a feminist. Absolutely! It’s worth paying attention to the roles that are sort of dictated to us and that we don’t have to fit into those roles. We can be anybody we wanna be”
“If I had a bucket list, I’d say raising my four girls to be strong, good women would be No. 1”
Ryan Gosling, actor
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, actor
Matt Damon, actor
Together, men and women are stronger. / GETTY
women’s access to health services, education and work. Similarly, there are plenty of examples of gender activ-
ties. That means they can block or delay equal rights for women or, conversely, they can mobilize social resources to bring about change. It’s also about bringing equality right into our homes and relationships. For example, when men do one-half of the childcare and housework, women can equally pursue their own education or careers. And men benefit because we become closer to our children and we become even more caring as individuals.
Daniel Casillas MWN