Women, Men, and the Whole Damn Thing

1. The #MeToo movement exposed widespread sexual misconduct and sparked global change

Every day, every hour, there is another incident, remembered episode, confounding new dimension to this epic drama of the sexes.

A watershed moment. In October 2017, the #MeToo movement erupted following allegations against Harvey Weinstein, exposing rampant sexual misconduct across industries. Women worldwide shared their stories of harassment and assault, toppling powerful men and institutions. The movement highlighted how pervasive these issues were, transcending class, culture and geography.

Ongoing impact. #MeToo has led to concrete changes, including new workplace policies, legal reforms, and increased awareness. However, it has also faced backlash and criticism over due process concerns. The movement continues to evolve, sparking difficult but necessary conversations about power, gender and sexuality in society.

2. Patriarchal structures have long suppressed women's rights and voices

The subordination of women comes to be seen as "natural".

Historical oppression. For millennia, patriarchal systems have relegated women to subordinate roles, denying them basic rights and opportunities. Religion, law, and cultural norms have been used to justify and enforce male dominance. This systemic inequality has shaped every aspect of society, from intimate relationships to economic and political structures.

Ongoing struggle. Despite significant progress in women's rights, deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes persist globally. Women continue to face discrimination, violence and limited access to power. Challenging these entrenched systems requires confronting uncomfortable truths about how society functions and the often invisible ways male privilege operates.

3. Male entitlement and toxic masculinity contribute to violence against women

We're talking about one billion women who will be raped or beaten in their lifetime—and that's just reported by the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

A global epidemic. Violence against women is alarmingly common worldwide, encompassing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. This violence stems from harmful notions of masculinity that encourage dominance and aggression. Male entitlement - the belief that men are owed deference and sexual access to women - fuels much of this abuse.

Breaking the cycle. Addressing violence against women requires dismantling toxic masculinity and redefining healthy manhood. This involves:

• Challenging harmful gender stereotypes
• Teaching consent and respect from an early age
• Holding men accountable for abusive behavior
• Providing support for survivors
• Engaging men as allies in combating gender-based violence

4. Women face ongoing discrimination and harassment in workplaces and public spaces

We see it here, there and everywhere, coded into the system and architecture of where we work and how we live.

Pervasive problem. Despite legal protections, women continue to face widespread harassment and discrimination in professional and public spheres. This includes:

• Sexual harassment and assault
• Unequal pay and limited career advancement
• Exclusion from leadership roles
• Objectification and sexist treatment
• Safety concerns in public spaces

Economic impact. Gender discrimination has significant economic costs. Studies show increased gender equality could add trillions to global GDP. Addressing these issues is not just a moral imperative, but an economic necessity.

5. Consent and healthy relationships require open communication and respect

If you can understand how completely ludicrous it is to force people to have tea when they don't want tea, and you're able to understand when people don't want tea, then how hard is it to understand it when it comes to sex?

Redefining consent. The #MeToo era has sparked crucial conversations about consent, highlighting the need for enthusiastic, ongoing agreement in sexual encounters. This challenges traditional notions of consent as the mere absence of "no." Healthy sexuality requires active communication, mutual respect, and willingness to honor boundaries.

Cultural shift needed. Truly addressing consent issues requires broader cultural change around sex and relationships. This includes:

• Comprehensive sex education focused on healthy relationships
• Challenging harmful myths about sexuality and gender
• Promoting models of masculinity not based on dominance or conquest
• Destigmatizing discussions about sex and pleasure

6. Men must confront their own biases and actively support gender equality

We must call out the sexist behaviors of other men because it's wrong and because it undermines women's confidence and effectiveness in the workplace.

Self-reflection required. Many men fail to recognize their own sexist attitudes or how they benefit from systemic inequality. True allyship requires honest self-examination and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. This process can be challenging but is essential for progress.

Active engagement. Men must move beyond passive support to become active advocates for gender equality. This includes:

• Calling out sexist behavior
• Amplifying women's voices
• Sharing domestic and emotional labor
• Supporting policies that promote equality
• Modeling respectful treatment of women
• Mentoring and sponsoring women in professional settings

7. Education and cultural change are key to dismantling misogyny

The [educational] program is incredibly simple... It takes as its premise that the education system we have is not fit for purpose. It was designed in—and for—the Industrial Revolution, and it hasn't really been revised in more than 200 years.

Early intervention. Addressing gender inequality requires starting early, with education that promotes empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for all genders. Programs like Leslee Udwin's Think Equal initiative aim to transform mindsets through social and emotional learning for young children.

Systemic approach. Dismantling misogyny requires addressing root causes across society:

• Reforming education systems
• Changing media representations of gender
• Promoting women's leadership in all sectors
• Implementing family-friendly workplace policies
• Challenging harmful cultural and religious traditions
• Engaging men and boys in gender equality efforts

8. The path forward requires nuance, empathy and redefining masculinity

We need to be more gender bilingual. We need to talk about customers, talk about talent, talk about managers, talk about opportunity, not keep talking about women.

Embracing complexity. Addressing gender inequality requires moving beyond simplistic narratives. It's crucial to recognize the nuances of human relationships and the ways gender intersects with other forms of identity and oppression. This approach allows for more effective, inclusive solutions.

Redefining masculinity. Progress requires reimagining healthy masculinity in ways that embrace vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and respect for all genders. This involves:

• Challenging rigid gender roles
• Promoting diverse models of manhood
• Encouraging men's emotional growth and connection
• Valuing traditionally "feminine" traits in all genders
• Fostering intergenerational dialogue about masculinity

By embracing these shifts, society can move towards true gender equality, benefiting people of all genders.

Last updated: November 19, 2024