Dear Readers,
INT'L MEN'S DAY CELEBRATION
Last week, we marked International Men’s Day—a day to celebrate the contributions of men, recognize their struggles, and think about the role they play in our world.
But as I thought about it, I found myself asking—are we, as a society, really giving men the recognition and care they need?
I couldn’t help but think about how much the world has shifted in its focus on empowering women and girls.
In many spaces—especially in NGOs and development circles—the conversations are centered on the challenges women face.
We talk about gender-based violence, access to education, and giving women a stronger voice. But while we push for progress for women, are we doing enough for men? Are we listening to their struggles, too?
It’s a tricky question, isn’t it? In a world where women are often at a disadvantage, are we now tipping the scales too far in the other direction? Is it becoming harder for men to voice their challenges without being labeled as insensitive of the struggles women face?
Let’s pause here for a moment and think about what equality truly means. We’ve all fought long and hard for a world where women have the same rights, the same opportunities, and the same voice as men.
But as I reflect on this fight, I wonder: Is the world we’re building truly fair, or are we creating new forms of inequality in our attempt to right past wrongs?
After reflecting on the struggles men face, let's now turn our attention to an issue that affects millions of women and girls around the world:
Gender-Based Violence:
Yesterday was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism—a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the end of violence in all its forms.
