It is an undeniable fact that men enjoy a variety of privileges owing to being born male. Though invisible, these privileges exist and manifest themselves several times in a man’s life, and become severely apparent when juxtaposed against women in similar roles or positions. Male privilege is real; it refers to all those little advantages men enjoy on a daily basis like safety, better pay, more opportunities in higher management, not being expected to pitch in at home, or not being expected to look or dress a certain way, among others.
The sad reality is that male privilege has been exploited for ages, causing detriment to womankind at every step, leaving us with the enormous weight of gender inequality in all aspects of life. While women continue to fight to minimise the gap between men and themselves, it is imperative that men join the fight as allies to help re-attain balance. Remember, it is always easier to turn a blind eye or make excuses for unacceptable behaviour by fellow men, and to ignore the signs that women are being unfairly treated. It is easier to think, ‘I am not sexist, and I am not wronging women’, and look the other way. But the fact remains, like all other social struggles for equality and fairness, if you are not actively working to dismantle male privilege and gender inequality, you are supporting it.
If you’re wondering ‘What can I do, personally?’, here are five ways to use your male privilege for gender equality…
Accept and understand male privilege
If you have ever thought that there is no truth to the concept of male privilege, think again. Do you have to worry about walking home late at night sans the fear of being cat-called or assaulted? Do you get to drive fast and break the rules without it being blamed on your gender? Have you had to worry about breaking a glass ceiling at work? Have you ever been guilted about having a career and raising children? You get what we mean… Accepting that you are bestowed with many invisible privileges and understanding how they measure up against the situations that women face is the first step towards using your privilege to make things right. Only when you do this does the gap between men and women become apparent.
Listen, really listen
While having conversations with both men and women, it is important to listen carefully to notice the kind of language being used. This may help you pick up many sexist cues that your privilege may have hidden in the past. When women talk, listen attentively, for they may open up about issues faced by their gender at home or at work. Hearing them out is the next step in helping make a change.
Interrupt conversations on their behalf
How many times has it so happened that when a woman is talking, a man cuts in to explain his thoughts? This happens routinely at dinner tables, board-room meetings, general conversations in the elevator, easy chats in hallways, or when friends are out for a meal. This basic, yet jarring behaviour can cause a woman to keep silent not just in simple conversations but also about greater cruelties. If you witness a woman being interrupted by a man, cut in and say, “Well, actually…she was speaking!” This one gesture can bring awareness to the men around about how a woman’s words and thoughts are equally important.
Crush gender roles at home
No amount of being woke and advocating for gender equality will mean much if you are not practising what you preach on a daily basis in your home. For starters, eliminate the distribution of roles based on gender stereotypes. Household chores and child-raising is not only a woman’s job, while working and earning is not only a man’s responsibility. All family roles and responsibilities must be shared by both husband and wife, and this will be a great example for children raised in such homes.
Use your power for the better
As a man, you are more likely to make it to a position of power within your workplace. Irrespective of how the situation was before you achieved said power, you ought to make a difference by raising women in your workplace to an equal status as men. So, pull your weight to ensure an equal number of women are hired in your organisation, grant them equal pay as their male counterparts and believe in their abilities to lead teams, be efficient team players and support the company.