28 Feb 2025, 11:23Tottenham Lighthouse CommunicationsLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Accelerate Action: A man’s voice on equality for women
This year, International Women’s Day (IWD), on 8 March, highlights a theme that reflects the current struggles and aspirations of women worldwide. Women are still seeking to be included, heard, respected, valued, and treated fairly. The world’s population is over 8 billion 62 million. Women make up roughly half of the world’s population; therefore, they represent half of the world’s potential. This potential cannot be realised when women remain unhealthy, undervalued, underrepresented, undermined, undereducated, overworked, and underpaid.
One of the most urgent issues affecting women is gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, and human trafficking. Positive masculinity is not about hierarchy, privilege, and control; it involves softer elements like a change in thoughts and a shift in attitudes towards gender roles. It’s about listening to and supporting women. We tend to treat people the way we see them. Digital platforms must also be held accountable for ensuring a safer virtual space for women’s participation without harassment.
“Accelerate Action” for women’s equality means moving beyond discussions and token representations to implementing real solutions that address gender disparities in wages, education, leadership, healthcare, safety, and disproportionate domestic responsibilities.
Dr Jeanville, a senior ordained pastor, author, and advocate for social justice and positive masculinity, calls on men to use their voices and pens to bring misogyny and inequality to an end. In his book Justice for Women: The Cry to End the Pandemic of Discrimination, Intimidation, Misogyny, Abuse, and Violence Against Women in Society and Religious Communities, Dr Jude challenges historical and cultural mindsets and narratives that have marginalised women, offering a powerful reinterpretation of biblical texts—which have long been misused to justify patriarchy, misogyny, and the limitation of women.
How to “Accelerate Action”
Accelerating action necessitates taking concrete steps to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity. Give women the 4 V’s:
Value – Ontological equality. The American Declaration of Independence states it beautifully: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Voice – Don’t silence her; let women’s voices be heard, primarily in spaces that are traditionally male. Men are more empathetic towards women when they hear women’s narratives and voices.
Visibility and Accessibility – Female representation at all levels and recognition on stage are essential. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, yet millions of girls worldwide are still denied access to quality schooling due to poverty, cultural norms, or conflict. Investing in scholarships, mentorship programmes, and policies that eliminate barriers such as child marriage and gender-based violence is crucial.
Vocational equality – Hire based on ability, not gender. Give women equal access to leadership, promotions, and pay. One of the most persistent challenges is the gender pay gap. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, often facing limited opportunities for advancement, keeping them in an economic trap.
Gender equality affects us all
When women succeed, families and nations prosper. Therefore, achieving gender equality is not solely the responsibility of women. Men play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and supporting women’s rights. Fathers and men who take an active role in caregiving and homemaking set a precedent for future generations.
There is still work to be done. Real change happens when we move beyond conversation to action. Let’s commit to being present, vocal, and taking bold, measurable steps towards a more just and equal society.
Justice for Women: The Cry to End the Pandemic of Discrimination, Intimidation, Misogyny, Abuse, and Violence Against Women in Society and Religious Communities
This year, International Women’s Day (IWD), on 8 March, highlights a theme that reflects the current struggles and aspirations of women worldwide. Women are still seeking to be included, heard, respected, valued, and treated fairly. The world’s population is over 8 billion 62 million. Women make up roughly half of the world’s population; therefore, they represent half of the world’s potential. This potential cannot be realised when women remain unhealthy, undervalued, underrepresented, undermined, undereducated, overworked, and underpaid.
One of the most urgent issues affecting women is gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, and human trafficking. Positive masculinity is not about hierarchy, privilege, and control; it involves softer elements like a change in thoughts and a shift in attitudes towards gender roles. It’s about listening to and supporting women. We tend to treat people the way we see them. Digital platforms must also be held accountable for ensuring a safer virtual space for women’s participation without harassment.
“Accelerate Action” for women’s equality means moving beyond discussions and token representations to implementing real solutions that address gender disparities in wages, education, leadership, healthcare, safety, and disproportionate domestic responsibilities.
Dr Jeanville, a senior ordained pastor, author, and advocate for social justice and positive masculinity, calls on men to use their voices and pens to bring misogyny and inequality to an end. In his book Justice for Women: The Cry to End the Pandemic of Discrimination, Intimidation, Misogyny, Abuse, and Violence Against Women in Society and Religious Communities, Dr Jude challenges historical and cultural mindsets and narratives that have marginalised women, offering a powerful reinterpretation of biblical texts—which have long been misused to justify patriarchy, misogyny, and the limitation of women.
How to “Accelerate Action”
Accelerating action necessitates taking concrete steps to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity. Give women the 4 V’s:
Value – Ontological equality. The American Declaration of Independence states it beautifully: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Voice – Don’t silence her; let women’s voices be heard, primarily in spaces that are traditionally male. Men are more empathetic towards women when they hear women’s narratives and voices.
Visibility and Accessibility – Female representation at all levels and recognition on stage are essential. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, yet millions of girls worldwide are still denied access to quality schooling due to poverty, cultural norms, or conflict. Investing in scholarships, mentorship programmes, and policies that eliminate barriers such as child marriage and gender-based violence is crucial.
Vocational equality – Hire based on ability, not gender. Give women equal access to leadership, promotions, and pay. One of the most persistent challenges is the gender pay gap. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, often facing limited opportunities for advancement, keeping them in an economic trap.
Gender equality affects us all
When women succeed, families and nations prosper. Therefore, achieving gender equality is not solely the responsibility of women. Men play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and supporting women’s rights. Fathers and men who take an active role in caregiving and homemaking set a precedent for future generations.
There is still work to be done. Real change happens when we move beyond conversation to action. Let’s commit to being present, vocal, and taking bold, measurable steps towards a more just and equal society.
Justice for Women: The Cry to End the Pandemic of Discrimination, Intimidation, Misogyny, Abuse, and Violence Against Women in Society and Religious Communities
