Women’s Issues Aren’t Only Women’s Concern
Men Need to be Allies and Activists in the Fight for Gender Equality
Co-Authored by Solidarity Council Members Alvin Allgood, Gary Barker, Jackson Katz, Franklin McLarty, Don McPherson, Alexander Prout, Mayor Mike Rawlings, Ryan Soscia and Salman Sufi.
Fighting for “women’s issues” cannot be up to women alone. As we’ve seen with the new legislation banning abortion in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and looming in many other states, women are courageously coming forward, ready to fight for their right to choose what happens within the sanctity of their own bodies. Access to healthcare services like abortion is not solely a “women’s issue” — it’s also a human rights issue. And it’s crucial that men don’t sit on the sidelines: it’s up to us as men to serve as staunch, committed and active allies in the fight for gender equality and women’s reproductive rights.
As members of the Solidarity Council of Vital Voices — an international organization that empowers women leaders — we’ve convened as male allies working to end gender-based violence around the world. Some of us are prominent leaders in the public and private sectors, some of us are mentors, and some of us are fathers of sexual assault survivors. But all of us know that gender-based violence has no part in a gender-equal world. And we are calling on other men to join us in the fight for equality.
The actions taken to close abortion clinics in Missouri and laws passed in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia are shocking and harmful not only because of their unprecedented restrictions, but also because they lack exceptions for those who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest. The legislation recently passed puts survivors of trauma at incredible risk. An estimated three million women in the United States have experienced rape-related pregnancy in their lifetime. Without exceptions in the new bills, these survivors would be forced to carry their rapists’ child to term — no matter the physical or mental toll. The trauma that comes with forcing women to bear their rapist’s child is well-documented, well-proven and totally unnecessary. It is unacceptable to advance public policy that would not only compound the trauma that courageous survivors have already overcome, but would also put women directly at risk.
We’re calling on men on both sides of the aisle, across industries, and in every sphere, to take action to advance a gender-equal world that is free of violence, and in which every woman’s rights and bodily autonomy are respected. Spur conversations about gender equality and inclusion at your dinner tables, around your meeting rooms and elsewhere. Create space for the women at those tables to be heard, to safely express their views, and to communicate their experiences and opinions. Listen. Give your time and money to causes that advance gender equality. Vote for candidates who support women’s rights.
It’s crucial we realize that opposition to legislation that directly impacts survivors of gender-based violence, and makes choices on women’s behalf, transcends the boundaries that divide us.
As men, we recognize that we do not know — and cannot know — what is the best health choice for every woman in every situation. However, we do know that we do not want other people making decisions about what is best for our mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, and friends. What is best for the women and people we love is for them to be treated with respect and trust, to have access to the information and services they need, and to be given the opportunity and support to make their own health care choices.
Twenty-five men lawmakers in Alabama cast votes to pass the most restrictive abortion legislation in our nation’s history. It will take many more of us, women and men, not only to reverse this human rights violation, but also to lay the groundwork for a more equal and just society. One in which policies serve and strengthen our communities. One in which policies are designed to protect fundamental rights, with input from those most directly affected. It’s time for men to add their voices to this fight on the side of rights.
