Forget "Too Far," Think "Together": WACL's President Tells Us Why Male Allyship Makes Us All Stronger

08 Mar, 2024

Hold on, champions of "equality fatigue." You haven't reached the finish line yet, says Nishma Patel Robb, President of Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership (WACL).

You claim we've "gone too far" with this whole gender equality thing? Newsflash: we haven't even crossed the starting line. Gender equality isn't a finish line, it's a level playing field. And right now, that field is a bumpy, uneven mess.

But here's the good news: we're not all in the same lane. Men, you hold the power to smooth the path for everyone. That's where male allyship comes in.

Think of it like this: imagine a relay race. Women have been running their legs for centuries, often carrying extra hurdles. Allyship isn't about taking the baton from them, it's about joining their team, grabbing a hurdle, and sprinting alongside them to cross the finish line together.

Sure, some of you might be sceptical. You might think it's not your problem, that women should just "work harder." But here's the secret: a society that empowers women benefits everyone.

Think stronger families, thriving economies, and a world where talent and potential aren't limited by gender. We're talking about unlocking the full potential of half the population, folks. Not a bad return on investment, is it?

But allyship isn't an empty title. It means actively challenging harmful stereotypes, calling out bias when you see it, and advocating for policies that support equal opportunities.

And don't worry, you're not expected to be a knight in shining armour. True allyship is about listening, learning, and using your voice to amplify the voices of women. It's about standing up for fairness, not because you have to, but because it's the right thing to do.

So, forget about "going too far." Let's talk about going farther, together. Because when women win, everyone wins. It's not a zero-sum game, it's a collective victory.

At WACL, we believe achieving true gender equality requires concrete action. That's why we're demanding a bold goal: 50% of all leadership roles to be held by women by 2045. This is an ambitious target, but we believe it's achievable with strong male allyship. To aid this we’ve identified the 5 levers for change in our 50% CEO’s Playbook that will help us achieve this goal together. 

We also recognize the need for positive male role models, especially for young men who are bombarded with conflicting messages about masculinity. WACL wants to celebrate outstanding male allies who can demonstrate the positive outcomes and behaviors that contribute to a fairer and more equal society. By showcasing these role models, we hope to inspire future generations of men to embrace allyship and contribute to building a better world for everyone.

So, men, are you ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Join the team. Be the allyship we need to build a truly equal world. Remember, together, we can reach the finish line, not just for some, but for all.