What men can do to be good allies to women

Hello everyone!  

Every year on 8th March, we celebrate International Women’s Day; this year, too, we observed the day with great enthusiasm here at ALLEN. However, I believe that we should not limit our appreciation of women and their accomplishments to just one day. Celebrating and honoring women throughout the year should be a continuous effort. 

Every day, women are achieving remarkable success in their respective fields, demonstrating a great example of gender equality in action. Recently, men are proving to be better allies to women around them. A study states that when men intentionally participate in gender inclusion programs, 96% of organizations observe progress, as opposed to only 30% of organizations where men are not involved.1 Despite this, many organizations focus their diversity and inclusion efforts solely on women and, at best, invite men to attend events intended for women. Organizations and women's advocates should acknowledge that allyship can take various forms and shapes to foster more and better male allies. Men who aspire to be allies can prioritize listening, support, and respect. 

If you ask me what allyship is, I would say allyship means intentionally collaborating, supporting, and actively working to dismantle systemic inequities and using your privilege to uplift those who need it. I have always invested myself in equity and inclusivity. When I decided to take our family business of education international with ALLEN Career Institute Overseas, I prioritized bringing gender equality to the forefront of our company culture. I firmly believe that anyone can be an ally, but male allies, in particular, have a decisive role in breaking down barriers for women in the workplace. Research suggests that when women have coworker allies, they have increased job satisfaction, lower anxiety, and a more substantial workplace commitment.  

When we opened our first overseas branch, I remember hiring a diverse team of educators, including women in leadership positions. One of our female teachers shared with me how grateful she was to work in an environment where her male colleagues actively supported her and recognized the value of her contributions. She felt seen, heard, and empowered to bring herself to work daily. It reminded me that allyship isn't just a buzzword but a practice that can make a difference in people's lives. 

This is the essence of allyship—recognizing the power dynamics at play and actively working to disrupt them to create a more equitable and just world. As we expand our family business, I am committed to embedding allyship into our everyday practices and empowering our team to be agents of change in the fight for equity.

Today many organizations still miss the mark on gender equity efforts 

By focusing solely on changing women in networking and leadership areas, many organizations fail to address the systemic and structural causes of gender inequities. This narrow approach perpetuates the perception that gender issues are exclusively women's problems, effectively excluding men from the conversation. Without the enthusiastic support of men, who often hold significant power in large corporations, making substantial progress toward gender parity is unlikely. It's crucial to note that achieving gender equality in the economy is paramount. UN Women reports that it could add $28 trillion (26%) to the global GDP by 20252, compared to the current business-as-usual scenario. Therefore, it's essential to explore ways men can become better allies to women in pursuing gender equity. Let’s explore how. 

Here's how men can be better allies 

Promoting gender equality in the workplace is crucial for creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Here are some tangible recommendations for men who want to be allies for gender equality: 

Educate yourself on gender issues: To be a better ally, men need to take the time to educate themselves on the experiences and challenges women face in the workplace. This means seeking out resources, such as books, articles, and podcasts, that provide a deeper understanding of gender inequality and how it manifests in the workplace.  

Challenge gender stereotypes: Men can be allies by challenging gender stereotypes and biases that exist in the workplace. This could involve questioning assumptions about gender roles, interrupting sexist or discriminatory comments, and advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.  

Amplify women's voices: Men can use their privilege and power in the workplace to amplify women's voices. This could mean acknowledging women's contributions in meetings, ensuring that women are given credit for their ideas, and actively seeking opportunities for women to lead projects and initiatives. 

Create a culture of respect: Men can be allies by fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity in the workplace. This means promoting open communication, encouraging feedback and collaboration, and creating a safe environment where everyone can feel valued and heard. 

Take action: Finally, men can be allies by taking action to address gender inequality in the workplace. This could involve advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, speaking out against discriminatory practices, and actively working to create a more equitable workplace for all employees.  

All in all, being a good ally for gender equality requires active listening, self-awareness, and action. Men who follow these best practices can help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. 

Gender equality is not a female issue—it’s a social and economic imperative 

It is essential to have men and women working together to create a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that women still face significant challenges in the workplace, and men are responsible for being allies in the fight for gender equality.  

Male allies can actively support women in their networks, champion pro-women policies, and work towards creating a more equitable workplace. But being an ally is more than paying lip service to the cause. It requires a genuine commitment to listening to women's experiences and needs, asking how you can support them, and taking action to address systemic inequalities.  

As a SecondGen family business entrepreneur, I strive to create an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all employees. I am committed to identifying and eliminating any biases or barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. 

International Women’s Day is a reminder that this is a daily effort, not just a one-day celebration. I encourage everyone, regardless of gender or position, to take action and commit to advancing equality. It could be as simple as listening to your colleagues' perspectives or as significant as implementing organizational policies promoting diversity and inclusion. By taking concrete steps towards gender equality, we create a better workplace for everyone and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Let us commit ourselves to make a meaningful impact and promoting gender equality every day. 

What do you think about this? Do you consider yourself an ally? Do let me know; I’m eagerly waiting for your response.