Wow! You’re here. We got your attention. Well done you for first step on the gender equality journey. Just by reading this and choosing to engage in this topic means you’ve already done more than 90% of Australian men.
Why we need men: The truth is, we need men. Because without you, moving the needle on gender equality would be impossible. IWD events are pointless if it’s just us women talking amongst ourselves (over cupcakes). Only 5-10% of IWD events are attended by men and we would like to change that.
SHOW UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY THIS IWD
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SHOW UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY THIS IWD 〰️
Yeah we get it, you’d like to attend an IWD event but it can feel scary to go by yourself.
Share these invites with your mates so you can go together.
Click the invites below to download.
Has your company organised an event for IWD?
Here’s a template to send to your workplace to make sure it doesn’t end up a cupcake filled disaster.
Beyond sharing an IWD invite with your mates, here are some other things you can do to celebrate and support gender equality not only on March 8th, but everyday of the year.
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Women are the experts on their own life experiences, so seek out opportunities to hear women’s stories – and take their concerns seriously, without interrupting or trying to downplay incidents of sexism. Amplify women’s voices, acknowledge their experiences – and take on the role of educating other men – in a way that inspires trust and respect; these are fundamental commitments men can make.
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Being an effective ally starts with self-awareness: How has your gender influenced the opportunities you’ve had in life? What are you able to do only because you are a man? Beyond gender, listening to individuals with different backgrounds from your own – in terms of race, sexual orientation, religion or ability – is crucial to understanding how our intersecting identities impact our lived experiences.
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Women are still underrepresented in many workplaces and paid less than their male colleagues, in part because their contributions and ideas are often overlooked. Emphasizing the good ideas of female co-workers, mentioning them in front of higher-ups, and correcting colleagues who misattribute credit isn’t giving special treatment to women – it’s treating them with fairness.
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In Promundo’s study, 77 per cent of men said they were doing everything they can to advance gender equality in the workplace – but only 41 per cent of women agreed with that assessment. To close this “allyship gap” between intention and action, speak up for policies that remove bias and advance equality, including pay transparency, parental leave, and confidential reporting structures for sexual harassment.
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It’s hard to step in or speak up when you see someone being harassed or treated unfairly, or when those around you are engaging in derogatory “banter,” but men calling each other out sends a powerful message that sexist language and actions will no longer be tolerated.
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Women’s advancement in the workplace is hindered by the disproportionate responsibilities they continue to take on at home: household labour, childcare and all the invisible work behind the scenes that keeps everything running smoothly. While many men say they are equally involved in childcare and chores, their partners generally disagree. In addition to stepping up at home, advocate at your workplace for work-life balance measures, including paid leave for all caregivers.
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Seventy per cent of the men in Promundo’s study said they think there should be more women in positions of political power, yet women hold only a minority of these positions in the United States and in most countries around the world. How can men help that change? Support, volunteer for and vote for diverse female candidates who align with your values in local and national elections. And share your influence and resources with women’s groups – after asking how best to support their efforts.
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Still hungry for more info? Have a read of these articles to lean more….
How Men can be Allies on International Women’s Day:
If we’ve caught your attention and you’re keen to know more about how you can support women on IWD, look now further. Have a read to see the various ways you can show up for women this International Women’s Day. and everyday.
How Men can be Allies on International Women’s Day:
International Women’s is one out of 365 days a year but gender equality isn’t going to happen if we only draw attention to the issue one day a year. And the issue isn’t only a female one - it’s a social and economic imperative. Learn how you can show up all year round means leaning in, listening and then taking action.
Placeholder for Jas’ op-ed.
Placeholder for Jas’ op-ed.
It will have to live after the one from the Allies. So I’m aiming for the 22nd of February.
Too scared or unsure about what to expect?
Here are some answers to FAQ.
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We know it’s called International Women’s Day, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for women. The truth is, we need men to be involved in the gender equality movement in order to change the status quo. Therefore, you should be welcomed with open arms to any event, talk, or online discussion you attend. Hell, they might even roll out the red carpet. You might even attain cult status in your workplace. Such is it such a rarity to see men in the room at these events. So yes, you’ll be a welcome sight for sore eyes believe us.
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Nothing. Nadda. Nilch. All you have to do is show up, grab a bloody cupcake ( if you’re peckish, slope to the back of the room if that makes you feel more comfortable, then LISTEN and absorb what is being said or discussed.
If it’s your first time leaning into the conversation or attending an IWD event, it’s probably better you don’t say much at all. You’re not there to magically solve the problem in your first meeting. Just soak it up and see how the subject matter and topics being discussed make you feel.
If you want to take notes, great. If you have questions and are feeling brave, feel free to ask them.
You don’t understand just how much you’re already helping by just showing up and being in the room.
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Sure, there’s always that mate who will give you stick, but it’s 2023 and times they are a changin’. Most men in our male affiliated groups report their male friends either being supportive or wanting to also actively get involved, so you might be pleasantly surprised. Like we’ve mentioned already, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. So don’t listen to the haters, if they are genuinely against balancing up and gender equalty they can’t be that secure, content or happy with themselves.
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Say that you are here to lean in, listen and learn and that you’re actively trying to support women better. We can guarantee you, this message will be welcomed.
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If your workplace has catered this cutsie symbol of performative HR theatrics, so be it, may as well eat them. But here is a tip for next year’s event. Help educate your workplace on doing better and giving meaning to this day beyond cupcakes.
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The good news is that you’re not attending to answer any questions. In fact, explaining (or mansplaining) on IWD is the opposite of what we want you to do. We want you to be there with us, listen, hear us out and and just be. Easy, right?
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This is the one we hear the most. We understand where this fear comes from and why it might feel like you’re walking on eggshells on IWD around women sometimes, but as long as your questions and thoughts come from a place of trying to genuinely understanding and engage with women on this topic, it should be met with enthusiasm rather than scorn.
That’s also why there are many men’s organisations where you can discuss mistakes. It’s expected of you, especially if it’s the first event you’ve ever been too.
So try not to worry. Every other guy will be feeling the same. Remember just showing up and listening is enough.
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Every guy has been in a situation he could have handled differently. Or has been ashamed of their attitudes or behaviour towards women in the past. This applies to us women too! If we only allowed people in who have been unrealistic angels and never done anything to offend a woman in the past, we wouldn’t get any men into the conversation.
This journey is about learning from your mistakes. What you would have done differently. And how not to make those same mistakes again.
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Great you’re leaning in and want to do more. There are a number of groups and organisations you can join. Eg. Allies…
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Men who engage in this topic aren’t just helping to change the world for the better. Although, we’d say that’s a pretty big benefit!
Anecdotal research from men who lean into this topic seem to enjoy a heap of personal benefits. Developing greater empathy and understanding unconscious bias for example, can help you foster better relationships with your wife, partner, kids…and all the females in your life.
It also makes you a better leader, as you become more informed and aware as you rise to the top. You’ll soon start spotting behaviours and trends you might not have noticed previously.
Best of all, you feel good just from doing good. It’s okay to be selfish about this. You will get just as much out of what you put in, promise.
SHOW UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY THIS IWD
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SHOW UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY THIS IWD 〰️
For more information please contact contact@fckthecupcakes.com
