Allies for Equality

At the Women Leaders in Global Health Conference 2020, I listened on a discussion about how men can be allies for gender equality. As many times, when we talk about feminism, equality and equity, inclusion and justice, the people who built or who are strongly upholding unequal structures are often absent from the forums calling for an overhaul. There were some practical actions that allies can take and I discussed these further with my colleague Caroline who is equally urgent about change that matters. Would love to have colleagues and network add to the list:

° Be ready to admit your specific privileges, only then do you admit that there is a problem to be solved and commit to be part of the change.

° Change your way of thinking, its free to give up power and offer opportunities abundant to you, to others who may not have them.

° Always point out and speak up against all male panels (especially on women's health matters) and all white panels. Do this on the first day so that the organisers get a chance to do something about it.

° If you are invited to a panel which you can not take part in, instead of just saying no, respond by suggesting two colleagues who are women to replace you (even better if it is an African or Asian colleague, or other groups often excluded, e.g. women living with disabilities).

° Make the achievement of gender equality a matter of urgency in your daily life by setting time bound goals and hold yourself accountable for achieving them.

° Be 'intersection-ally' aware, not any woman is an expert on the experience of all women.

° If you are in a position of leadership, urge all women working with you to be specific and bold in negotiating for fair pay. Almost all men always bring up salary increase, women seldom do, so be that point of encouragement.

° Don't try to fix women, women don't need to be fixed! Instead help practically to challenge fellow men to be allies, to recognise privilege, dismantle patriarchy, and practically take steps to challenge existing discrimination and norms.

° If you are a man and within the Academic field, when you publish articles, check who you have quoted and make sure 50% are women.

Would love to collect more practical tips... it's urgent!