
You Too..
“It’s time for men to understand that when women are destroyed, it’s not a women’s question, it’s a human question. And if it’s a human question, men really need to be a part of this fight.”- Dr. Denis Mukuwege.
Systematic gender discrimination, sexual and domestic abuse against women, female infanticides, or dowry murder are not only women’s issues. These are human rights issues.
You Too
Dear men and boys, YOU TOO have a huge responsibility and an important role in preventing gender discrimination.
Gender inequality does not only affect women but has a negative impact on the economic and social growth of society. According to the 2013 Human Development Report (UNDP), “gender inequality is especially tragic not only because it excludes women from basic social opportunities, but also because it gravely imperils the life prospects of future generations.”
Every individual in society, irrespective of their gender should take an active role in eliminating all sorts of gender biases. Men need to understand that creating a gender-equal society is required for the overall growth, development, peace, and progress of the country. They should ensure that women and girls have equal rights at work and at home.
It should NOT only be the fights of women for their own freedom and rights. Would you like to watch your mother, sister, or daughters oppressed, discriminated against, or violated because of their gender? If not, then what difference can YOU bring in your own life to eliminate or reduce the existing gender inequality? What else can YOU do to be the change agents in your community or in your family?
Historically men had taken many major steps to stop harmful social practices or social evils in many countries. In India, till the early nineteenth century, women were burnt alive after their husband’s death. Young girls were married to 70/80-year-old men. And after the death of these men, their widows used to be social outcasts for the rest of their lives. Girls were not allowed to go to school. Social and religious reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar fought relentless battles against these evil practices and brought justice to women and girls. And they were MEN.
Eliminating gender biases, stereotypes or social practices where women’s rights are violated are extremely challenging. In most societies, these are deeply embedded in the culture. Therefore any individual or organization trying defy them face enormous retaliation from the community. Women’s rights activities often face severe backlashes and harassments. Let’s admit the fact that fighting For women’s rights and equality is not easy for a man, especially when there are strong conflicts with one’s cultural, social, or religious identity.
1. Understand the issue
Along with knowing the gender equality issues in the global context, you can read or refer to these very useful books to understand why women’s issues are so important and how to tackle some issues as a man or boy-Men’s Guide to Feminism: 5 Books on Feminism Every Man Should Read.
You can also read: Feminism and the Advocacy of Women’s Rights: Why Are these Relevant Today?
2. Start with yourself and your family
3. Be Surrounded By Like-Minded People
Read this story of an 18-year-old young boy in California who supports the rape trauma survivors Fighting Against Sex Crimes for insipiration.This is a very good example of how one can start!
4. Be an Advocate
5. Share your Story
Author
A clinical researcher by profession, I am an advocate of gender equality and women’s rights. I have created Rights of Equality to dismantle institutionalized gender discrimination and harmful social practices through systemic changes. Over the last few years, our contributors from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds were able to voice their concerns about a range of issues that are oppressive to women across the world. We are hopeful that our efforts will help promote awareness and contribute to changing mindsets and shifting cultures about gender roles and norms.
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32 Comments
Mehul Kumar Srivastava
Nice one
Mehul Kumar Srivastava
Nice work
Swagata Sen
Thank you!
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
What a great article! Gender issues should be addressed by everyone. That’s how change starts. Love this!
Swagata Sen
Thank You Erica! Happy that you liked it. Hope more and more men and boys join this fight against injustice and discrimination.
Trish
Excellent post – such important issues that need changing.
honeybunnytwee
I really hope that #youtoo catches on! People always think that supporting causes like these mean that we hate men, but that’s so untrue. Wanting a fighting for equality doesn’t have to be at the expense of anyone else, but people need to realize that they need to either be part of the change to a more progressive society or to stay out of the way of change.
Swagata Sen
Women’s fight for equality and justice are not against men, but against the patriarchal society and many customs. These rules and customs have harmful effects on all societies and countries, not only on women. Hope more and more men realize the importance for them to be a part of this change. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.
sjd68
I have two girls and I hope that they get to experience the equality that is necessary for them to succeed. That being said I have almost always worked for female managers in my lifetime. I feel some of the equality is also based on the line of work. GReat read and an importnat issue for all worldwide #youtoo.
Swagata Sen
Thank you so much for your comments. These mean a lot to me. It is very strange and baseless concept that men are superior than women in all aspects! I wish all the best to your girls. Hope they grow up in a safer and more equal world!
financeoholic
Thanks for this. There are a lot of double standards in society that affect men and women yet so many movements only focus on one group. Equality is hardly equal.
Swagata Sen
I totally get what you mean. To me, equality means equal rights and access to all resources. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Melody
Great article. Thank you for helping to enlighten people with do-able suggestions about what we can do to help with these issues.
tcleland88
Knowledge leads to change. Thank you for bringing gender issues out into the public eye and raising awareness.
Andrea (2oddravens)
You’re absolutely right! These are human issues – not just women’s issues. I don’t want to say that women are incapable of advocating for themselves, because that is completely untrue: however, it is certainly wonderful to have the extra support from other human beings.
Swagata Sen
I agree with you. It is not because women are not capable to fight for their own rights, it is because these issues are not women’s issue but social and human right issues. Men have equal responsibility to end these social evils.
Lene
I think a lot of people don’t know where to start. This post is a hugely helpful tool to combat inequality. Thank you!
Johnny Quid
This is SO important, and it needs to be understood by men all over. Gender discrimination is a REAL CRISIS, not just an excuse to argue on Facebook, and I’m tired of other dudes downplaying it all the time. I will always be an advocate for gender equality because this isn’t just a “woman’s issue”. This affects us ALL.
stylelullaby
Thank you for shedding light and bringing awareness to this important issue! I think it’s not talked about enough and hopefully with more knowledge being put out there, people will be inspired to make a change.
lforsythe7040
Knowledge helps make a difference and these are great steps to take to help improve situations.
karilife
In some ways I think that we’ve demonized men instead of focusing on the ones who have worked so hard to be inclusive, supportive, etc. If we truly wish to be equal, we must choose to be equal…not better or above. I couldn’t say the exact answer or science to making this happen because people can suck sometimes, but I feel like it’s possible to be equal without being exclusive.
Joseph Etyang
Let’s encourage one another to stop GBV.
Megan McC
Thanks for your article. I think I’ve grown in my ability to advocate for gender equality in the last few years. I think age has empowered me to be more confident and vocal; however, I love that I see more and more young people advocating for others. Also, I moved from the US to Mexico a few years ago where gender issues are “behind” what I am used to. I think this has actually helped me to share more and I discuss gender more openly as we share cultures, experiences and friendships. Thanks for sharing.
Swagata Sen
Thank you Megan, for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you about the importance of discussing the gender related issues, specially about issues no one wants to talk about.
Boss Mom Outlaw
Thank you for being such a strong advocate for women everywhere ❤️
Livelearnbetter (@livelearnbetter)
The world would be a better place if we treat each other equally and respectfully. Nice post
Ayanda
Beautiful post. The call for men to stand up for and with women is an important one. Thank you for writing this post.
Swagata Sen
Thank You Ayanda!
angieh86
Yes! I think men felt left out of the me too movement because there were so many woman coming forward. But really it can happen to anyone!
Lisa
I think it’s so important to encourage men to be an advocate. I think men talking to other men is the strongest voice out there.
Swagata Sen
Thank you for such thoughtful comments. I know lot of people downplay it because either they live in a bubble of unconscious biases, or these issues do not directly affect them. But the moment we are out of our cultural bubbles, we can actually realize that all of us are some how a part of it!
Nahid Akhter
Perfectly composed articles. Thank you for the share.
Nahid | https://bestclicknow.com