Women’s History Month
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I’d like to share my perspective on ways that fellow men can practice intentional allyship with respect and purpose. It is crucial to recognize that true progress comes from both honoring the historical achievements of women and from actively supporting women in our lives every day. Allyship is more than just intention; it’s about taking meaningful action to create environments where women are valued, heard, and empowered. This includes embracing and advocating for trans women, who face heightened discrimination and violence yet are too often excluded from conversations about gender equity. Allyship starts with listening and learning. We can leverage our privilege as men in a patriarchal society to uplift the voices of women and follow their lead to enact real change.
Several important steps in practicing intentional allyship are committing to education, amplifying women’s voices, and challenging biases. Educating ourselves means actively seeking resources such as books, articles, podcasts, and documentaries that highlight women’s experiences and perspectives. Seeking out these resources helps us better understand the systemic challenges women face and equips us to support them more effectively. Amplifying women’s voices is equally important. We can start with crediting their ideas in meetings, sharing their work, or stepping back to ensure women have space to lead conversations. Challenging biases requires vigilance, whether it’s calling out inappropriate comments, confronting stereotypes, or reflecting on our own unconscious assumptions. By consistently practicing these steps, we can foster environments that celebrate and empower women.
Recognizing and supporting women’s leadership is also an aspect of meaningful allyship. This can mean advocating for women in leadership roles, encouraging their participation in decision-making spaces, and actively recognizing their contributions. As men, we can use our voices to ensure women are given credit for their ideas, provided with equal opportunities, and supported in their professional growth. Equally important is the practice of reflection, remaining open to feedback, acknowledging mistakes, and continuously seeking ways to improve. Allyship is an ongoing commitment, and by taking these steps, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive world where women are empowered to thrive.
Jonathan Smith, Board Vice President, You Aren’t Alone Project
