Does society need male gender advocates to advance gender equality?

For its 25th issue, Forbes Woman Africa has taken a bold step by focusing on a less explored but crucial topic - the role of male gender advocates in driving equality in society. The cover of this milestone edition highlights the importance of male allies, pro feminists, and advocates for women's rights in modern-day business and society. In a recent CNBC Africa interview, Renuka Methil, Editor of Forbes Woman Africa, sheds light on the inspiration behind this groundbreaking issue and the imperative need for male involvement in the fight for gender equality. Joining her were esteemed guests Professor Hlonipha Mokoena, Gil Oved, Group Co-CEO at The Creative Counsel, and Gareth Cotterell, Sub-Editor at Forbes Africa, each providing valuable insights on the subject. The key theme of the discussion revolved around the evolving role of men as feminists and advocates for gender equality. Renuka Methil emphasized the importance of male engagement in advancing women's rights, stating that gender equality is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue. She highlighted the necessity for companies to embrace diversity and inclusion in their strategies, noting that despite progress, some organizations still lack female representation. The guests echoed the sentiment that male support is crucial in bridging the gender gap and promoting a more inclusive society. Key Point 1: Redefining Feminism and Gender Advocacy In the conversation, Professor Hlonipha Mokoena challenged the notion of 'male feminists' and advocated for a gender-neutral approach to feminism. She emphasized that feminism is about collective liberation and empowerment, irrespective of gender. Mokoena stressed the importance of men understanding their role as allies in the feminist movement rather than dictating feminist agendas. By redefining feminism as a universal cause, men can actively contribute to dismantling patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality. Key Point 2: Naturalizing Gender Equality in Workplace Dynamics Gil Oved shared his personal journey of fostering gender equality in the workplace and highlighted the inherent value of diverse teams. Oved emphasized that promoting equality should not be a forced agenda but a natural outcome of recognizing the talents and capabilities of all individuals. He noted that female representation in leadership roles positively impacts business performance, attributing it to the diverse perspectives and skills that women bring to the table. Oved's experience exemplified that gender equality can thrive when embraced authentically and seamlessly in organizational culture. Key Point 3: The Business Case for Gender Diversity Gareth Cotterell delved into the business benefits of gender diversity, citing research that correlates female representation with improved corporate performance. He emphasized the unique qualities that women bring to decision-making processes, such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and holistic understanding. Cotterell highlighted the transformative impact of women in boardrooms, noting how their presence elevates the dynamics and effectiveness of strategic discussions. By embracing gender diversity, businesses can leverage the full spectrum of talents and foster a more inclusive and innovative work environment. Quote: 'We've got humans and they add value. And you've got 50% of the population that hasn't had the opportunities that other 50% has had for thousands of years.' - Gil Oved In conclusion, the dialogue on male gender advocates as catalysts for gender equality underscores the imperative need for collective action in reshaping societal norms and workplace dynamics. As the conversation continues, it is evident that inclusive collaboration between men and women is the cornerstone of a more equitable and progressive future. By acknowledging the contributions of male allies and amplifying diverse voices, the journey towards true gender equality gains momentum and strength.