Yes – this is a thing, and it has existed for decades. Truly.
As Chair of Women in Print Australia I’m deeply committed to advancing women’s equality and ensuring our voices are heard. But the conversation about equality cannot exist in a vacuum. It must include men. Equality, after all, is about fairness and balance for everyone.
International Men’s Day highlights important issues affecting boys and men: from the impact of toxic masculinity, parental alienation, and violence, to mental health challenges, and self-harming behaviours. These are not just “men’s issues”—they ripple through families, communities, and society, affecting sisters, wives, mothers, and colleagues.
The harmful stereotypes we seek to dismantle for women are mirrored in the pressures placed on men. A world that limits emotional expression and promotes outdated ideas of strength is damaging for everyone. By breaking down these toxic myths, we not only empower boys and men to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives but also create a foundation for genuine equality.
Today, let’s celebrate the positive contributions of men in our lives—our leaders, managers, staff, life partners, fathers, brothers, and friends. Let’s invite them to the equality, equity and fairness conversation – because we can’t get to the Win/Win unless everyone is participating.
Together, lets redefine what strength and equality truly mean, so we move towards this balance sooner, rather than later.
