by Danielle Gatto
DV Counselor and LifeLine Coordinator
In June, the G7's Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Meeting was held in Nikko City, Japan. All participating countries sent women representatives, except Japan, which chose a male representative who was also the chair of the meeting.
This decision has faced widespread criticism, particularly due to Japan's low ranking (138th) in political empowerment parity, as reported by the World Economic Forum. However, had Germany made a similar choice, given its high ranking in political empowerment parity (5th), it may have been seen as an acknowledgment that achieving gender equality is a shared responsibility and requires the involvement of all genders to create meaningful change.
I spoke with Kyshon (he/him), Operations Manager and LifeLine Counselor at WIT, about his thoughts.
"I think men should definitely be there, but I think [men] being a representative is problematic. I think men's role in movements for gender justice is primarily to listen and be open to critique. As men, we have all of these privileges, and if you don't realize it, learn from it, and try to help to change it, you're doing a disservice to yourself because it creates a lack of community and it causes harm to others."
While society often views domestic violence as a "women's issue," at WIT, we know the importance of having men involved in DV advocacy. It can be difficult for male survivors to seek help due to societal norms and stigmas surrounding masculinity. Having male staff members can create a relatable and understanding environment for male survivors to come forward and seek support. Kyshon says that when speaking with male callers on WIT's LifeLine, "Sometimes they expect to speak to a woman, and when they realize I'm a man, I think they appreciate that I can see where they're coming from. To see another man working in an organization [like WIT] lets them know that this is not something that only happens to women."
When men and masculine-identifying individuals are actively engaged in addressing domestic violence and gender justice movements, it reinforces the message that these are not solely women's issues but societal problems that require a collective effort to solve. With their involvement, they can promote positive change and challenge gender norms within their spheres of influence, as well as unpack and address the harm that patriarchy causes them.
For men and masculine-identifying individuals who are in the beginning stages of their gender justice advocacy, Kyshon suggests they "be open to learning, forever. The only way you're going to do better is to know better."
resources for men & masculine-identifying people seeking involvement in movements for gender justice
Note: this is in no way an exhaustive list. It is intended to offer a few ways to start or continue one’s journey
JOIN:
Masculinity Action Project at Lutheran Settlement House
“a community education and violence prevention initiative that brings men and masculine-identifying individuals into movements for gender justice”
Healthy Masculinity Initiative at Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
“an education and outreach program that facilitates guided discussions in safe spaces about masculinity, traditional male gender roles, and sexual violence prevention”
Organizing White Men for Collective Liberation (OWMCL)
“a national network mobilizing white men to learn, grow and take action against white supremacy and patriarchy”
“a healing group experience for people who identify as Black and as men”
“helping create a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful and all women, girls, and those at the margins of the margins are valued and safe”
“a virtual group to discuss masculinity, culture, and mental health for Asian men”
“Community Conversation Series for Indigenous Men”
READ:
Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw
The Will to Change by bell hooks
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano
Some Men: Feminist Allies and the Movement to End Violence Against Women by Michael A. Messner, Max A. Greenberg, Tal Peretz
We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity by bell hooks
WATCH:
We Should All Be Feminists Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, TED Talk
Why I'm done trying to be "man enough" Justin Baldoni, TED Talk
An invitation to men who want a better world for women Elizabeth Nyamayaro, TED talk
LISTEN:
Scene on Radio, Season 3: MEN
Respectfully Disagree, Can Men Be Good Feminists?
The Hidden Brain, The Edge of Gender