Men and equality

Reflect on and question role models

Be aware of your unconscious bias
We all know that they exist: unconscious biases that each and every one of us carry and affect us all. The “gender bias” is an unconscious thought shortcut of our brain, based on which we make assumptions about “typical” or “atypical” behaviors and character traits of people based on gender. The only solution: regular check-ins. Check out our “Gender Bias Bingo” from May 2021 to get started!

Allow emotions

Dare to show and verbalize your feelings
Men are also allowed to be sad, cry and laugh, show joy, love and enthusiasm. Sadly, too few of them do. No matter how you do it, strive to show your emotions, nurture your empathy for others AND yourself. Don’t repress your feelings dude, it’s unhealthy! There really is something to the claim that shared sorrow is half the sorrow and shared joy is doubled.

Be a progressive father

Develop a healthy work-family balance
Many fathers want to spend more time with their children shaping their development and encouraging their own interests. Unfortunately, very few take advantage of benefits like paternal leave, as well as flexible or reduced working hours. Equality affects all areas of our lives – including and especially our families!

Pay attention to equitable division of labor

Take responsibility for care work 
On average, women perform 52.4% more unpaid care work per day than men. This applies in particular to childcare and housework, but also to caring for relatives. However, the lopsided distribution of household activities and other care tasks not only leads to everyday injustices such as mental load, lack of time for other activities or hobbies, higher risk of burnout, but also has a negative impact on women’s lower average pension.

Use gender-inclusive language

Increase the visibility of women and non-binary people
Language creates reality. Gender-inclusive language helps increase the visibility of people who are not currently represented in the generic masculine. To get started see our July 2021 monthly post on language.  

Advocate for workplace equality

Reflect on and help overcome patriarchal structures in the workplace
Patriarchy is still very present in the workplace. It is often perceived as so “normal” that the injustices arising from it hardly cross our minds. To counteract these structures we must ensure diversity on panels, in front of the stage, and behind the scenes. Give women space to contribute in meetings, listen, support, refrain from so-called mansplaining and question your actions – are you really treating men and women completely equally?

Take a clear stand against sexism

Question your behavior and make changes if you observe sexism or sexual harassment

Almost every woman in Germany has experienced sexual harassment at some point in her life. This ranges from lewd or derogatory comments to sexual violence. Separately from verbal or physical assaults, sexism is a permanent accompanying melody of women’s and AFAB non-binary people’s lives. 

Check in with yourself on your own behavior, be an ally for the affected communities and get involved.

Become allies in the cause for gender equality

Draw attention to and fight inequalities
Men are privileged in many ways. They are more likely to sit on boards and executive suites, do less unpaid work and emotional labor, and are less likely to experience sexual harassment. Men are often still the measure of all things and therefore move in our world with greater confidence than women or non-binary people. The reality of this position of privilege, however, is that your voice is louder and you can use that to effectively amplify the call for lived gender equality.