Gender equality in the workplace has taken giant leaps over the last decades. However, we still have a way to go. Issues such as equal pay and the ‘motherhood tax’ are still affecting women, keeping many from reaching their full potential and achieving financial levels and equal wealth to men. One critical element in the road to equality that often remains overlooked is the role of male allyship. James Coomber, leadership coach and expert in workplace culture shares his expertise in how to get men onboard…
James Coomber
Allyship, particularly from men towards their female colleagues, is the bridge to genuine workplace equality – well, equality in every aspect. It’s a partnership, a shared journey of understanding and support that transcends traditional gender roles. Discussing male allyship is not just about recognising the value of women in professional spaces, it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and opportunity for all.
Without these conversations, we risk perpetuating an environment rife with unconscious biases, missed opportunities, and unaddressed inequalities. A failure to address the significance of male allies means side lining half of the population in the fight for gender equality… A battle that requires everyone’s effort.
James Coomber is deeply passionate about this topic and has seen first-hand the positive impact genuine male allyship has had on women. These benefits include a boost in self-confidence, improved mental health and well-being, professional advancement, people being their authentic selves and personal growth to name a few.
He has put together 10 reasons for why we need to discuss male allyship right now
1. Breaking stereotypes:
Male allyship plays a crucial role in challenging and breaking down deep-rooted gender norms and expectations. When men actively support issues experienced by women, they directly counter the notion that gender equality is only a concern for women. This proactive stance challenges traditional beliefs, making it clear that everyone, regardless of gender, has a stake in achieving gender parity and mutual respect in all spheres of life.
2. Amplifying women’s voices:
In many workplaces, women’s voices can be overshadowed. Men, especially those in positions of authority, have the capacity to amplify these voices. By actively endorsing, supporting, and acknowledging the ideas and contributions of their female colleagues, they can create an environment where women’s insights are not only heard but are also influential in shaping outcomes.
3. Providing mentorship:
The dynamics of cross-gender mentorship can be especially enriching. While women mentors offer essential guidance to their female mentees, men also bring a different perspective, providing insights into navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces. This kind of mentorship can be instrumental in bridging any gender-based gaps and helping women ascend to leadership roles. As a male, I have actively sought female mentors in the past and it has helped me broaden my understanding and skillset.
4. Addressing unconscious bias:
Every individual, regardless of their intentions, can harbour unconscious biases. These subtle, often unnoticed biases can impact decisions, from hiring to promotions. By promoting male allyship, workplaces can raise awareness of these biases. Allies can then work to recognise, challenge, and counteract their own biases, ensuring decisions are based on merit and not misconceptions.
5. Sharing responsibility:
True gender equality can’t be achieved if the responsibility is placed solely on women. Male allyship signifies a shared responsibility in creating inclusive environments. When men join as active allies, it signals a collective commitment to change, ensuring that the effort to promote gender equality is a joint venture, not a solo mission.
6. Creating safer work environments:
Harassment and inappropriate behaviours remain pervasive issues in many workplaces. Male allies can be a crucial force in identifying, preventing, and addressing these behaviours. By standing up against such actions and supporting their female colleagues, they contribute to fostering a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected.
7. Ensuring fair opportunities:
Despite advances, gender disparities in pay and opportunity persist. Men, especially those in decision making roles, can advocate for fair compensation and unbiased evaluations for their female counterparts. Their active participation ensures checks and balances, working against any gender-based bias in evaluations and promotions.
8. Enhancing collaboration:
Diversity of thought is known to boost innovation and productivity. By ensuring that all voices, especially those of women, are heard and valued, male allyship fosters a collaborative spirit. This ensures that teams benefit from a broader range of ideas, experiences, and insights, leading to more comprehensive solutions and strategies.
9. Boosting company reputation:
In an age of transparency and social awareness, companies that actively promote gender equality and male allyship stand out. Such companies are viewed as progressive, forward-thinking, and are likely to attract top talent. They also resonate better with customers, stakeholders and members of the public who value inclusivity and fairness.
10. Personal growth and learning:
At a personal level, male allyship facilitates growth and self-awareness for many men. Engaging as allies exposes them to experiences and challenges faced by their female colleagues, deepening their understanding and empathy. This not only enhances their professional relationships but also positively impacts their personal interactions, promoting a more holistic understanding of gender dynamics.
In conclusion, discussing male allyship in the workplace is essential for creating a diverse, inclusive, and productive environment. It not only benefits women but also benefits men and enriches the overall workplace culture, leading to more successful and harmonious teams.
