Eight ways men can become better allies to women

SHAH ALAM - In the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and women's rights, the critical role that men can play as allies is increasingly recognised.

Gender equality and women's rights are not isolated concerns for women alone; they represent fundamental human rights issues that demand collective attention.

Men, acknowledging the importance of fostering a more inclusive and equitable world, can actively contribute to dismantling deeply ingrained gender biases. It's essential to recognise that creating a truly equal society requires collaboration and commitment from all genders.

Here are eight ways for men to support and be actively involved in women's rights:

1. Listen and validate.

Active listening is a powerful tool in allyship. Take the time to listen to women's experiences without judgement and validate their feelings. By acknowledging and understanding their perspectives, you contribute to creating a supportive and empathetic environment.

2. Amplify women's voices.

In professional and personal settings, consciously amplify the voices of women. Ensure that their ideas are heard, credited, and respected. Actively advocating for women's contributions helps to break down systemic biases.

3. Support career growth.

Actively support the professional development of women in your workplace. Advocate for equal opportunities and recognition, and use your influence to ensure that women have a fair chance to advance in their careers.

5. Share household responsibilities.

Promote gender equality at home by sharing household responsibilities and childcare duties. This not only creates a more balanced domestic environment but also sets an example for others to follow.

6. Promote inclusive language.

Be mindful of the language you use. Avoid gendered stereotypes and use inclusive language that recognises and respects diverse identities. This simple yet impactful change contributes to a more inclusive atmosphere.

7. Attend and support women's initiatives.

Participate in events, workshops, and initiatives that focus on women's issues. Actively support organisations working towards gender equality through attendance, donations, or volunteer work.

8. Challenge sexism

Challenge and confront sexism wherever you encounter it. This includes addressing derogatory comments, stereotypes, and discriminatory behavior. By refusing to accept or perpetuate harmful norms, you contribute to a culture of respect and equality.

In the landscape of gender equality advocacy, there unfortunately exist individuals who masquerade as allies but fail to uphold the genuine principles of feminism. These individuals, often referred to as "fake male feminists," adopt the language and appearance of advocacy without embodying the values of equality and respect. Identifying these individuals is crucial for fostering authentic allyship and ensuring that efforts towards gender equality are not undermined.

How to identify red flags of a fake male feminist:

1. Performative Allyship.

Shares feminist slogans or attends events without meaningful, consistent actions. Superficial engagement on social media without tangible efforts in daily life.

2. Lack of Accountability.

Fails to acknowledge or learn from mistakes related to gender biases. Defensive or dismissive when confronted about problematic behavior.

3. Prioritizing Comfort Over Change.

Reluctant to challenge other men or confront sexist behavior to avoid personal discomfort. Unwillingness to disrupt harmful patterns, especially if it risks personal backlash.

4. Tokenising women's achievements.

Engages in token gestures or symbolic acts without addressing deeper issues. Uses feminism as a label for personal gain rather than genuine commitment. Takes credit for women's ideas or work without proper acknowledgment.

5. Selective Listening.

Ignores or dismisses the experiences and concerns of women. Does not actively seek to understand the complexities of gender inequality. Supports women's causes publicly but fails to translate that support into tangible actions. Does not consistently challenge or speak out against sexism in various contexts.