Men, Your Moment to End Gender-Based Violence Is Now

“Men need gender equality as much as gender equality needs men.” Gary Barker, Equimundo

Men, your moment is now. The world needs you to rise to the challenge of ending this violence. Action is required—not just words. Challenge misogyny, objectification and harmful behaviors when you see them. Educate yourselves on the systems that perpetuate violence, support organizations fighting for gender equality, and mentor young men to embrace respect and healthy expressions of masculinity.

Laws like the recently reauthorized Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are critical, but they are not enough. The eradication of gender-based violence is not a “women’s issue”—it’s a global imperative. As former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, it’s a threat to democracy, a barrier to peace and a moral outrage.

Let’s build a society where power is shared, respect is mutual and violence is no longer tolerated. Men, you have a role in dismantling the systems that harm us all. The future of women’s lives—and the world we leave behind—depends on it. Link to full story here.