Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) sparks global conversations about gender equality, celebrating progress while highlighting the work still to be done. While women often champion the day, men’s role in these discussions — and gender equity more broadly — remains crucial. As a male, and a board member of The 100% Project, I see IWD as an opportunity for men to attend and actively engage in conversations and actions that drive systemic change.

Why Men Need to Be Involved

The journey toward gender equality isn’t a ‘women’s issue’ — it’s a societal one. Men hold key leadership positions across industries, influence workplace cultures, and shape future generations. Yet, despite this influence, many men still see IWD as a space where they are bystanders rather than participants.

Research from The Invisible Man: Masculine Archetypes in the Media (The 100% Project, 2025) highlights the impact of media portrayals on masculinity, showing that traditional stereotypes — such as the Hero, Provider, or Hedonist — can reinforce outdated gender norms. These portrayals often discourage men from embracing roles that prioritise emotional intelligence, caregiving, or allyship, which can harm their well-being (The 100% Project, 2023). When men feel pressured to conform to rigid stereotypes of strength and stoicism, they may struggle to express vulnerability, leading to increased stress, isolation, and difficulty forming deep relationships. Research has shown that limited emotional expression and societal expectations around masculinity are contributing factors to higher rates of depression and suicide among men (Beyond Blue, 2021; WHO, 2022). Additionally, by being discouraged from caregiving roles, many men miss out on valuable family life experiences and the opportunity to build stronger connections with their children and partners. By challenging these stereotypes, we can foster environments where men feel empowered to contribute to gender equity in meaningful ways.

How Men Can Support Gender Equality on IWD and Beyond

If we want to build a more inclusive and equitable society, men need to step up and take action in various ways:

Attend IWD Events with Purpose

Don’t just be present — be engaged. Participate in discussions, listen actively, and reflect on how you can contribute to gender equity in your professional and personal life.

Advocate for Workplace Gender Equality

Support policies that promote equity, such as equal pay, paid parental leave, and flexible work arrangements. Speak up when you notice gender bias in hiring or promotions.

Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Traditional masculinity has often been framed in restrictive ways that can hinder gender progress. The Invisible Man report suggests that men want to be portrayed as complex, emotional, and dynamic individuals. Men can set new standards by embracing and advocating for these representations in media and real life.

Use Your Influence

Whether you’re a leader, mentor, or peer, you have the power to shape inclusive environments. Offer sponsorship and mentorship to women in your industry and help amplify their voices.

Educate Yourself and Others

Read about gender equality, follow thought leaders, and engage in meaningful conversations with family, friends, and colleagues. Instead of remaining silent and fostering resentment, men should actively participate in discussions, question ideas they don’t agree with, and seek clarity rather than disengage. Being open about your own perspectives, staying curious about others’ viewpoints, and having the courage to challenge your ideas fosters constructive dialogue.

At The 100% Project, we encourage all men to engage in these conversations — even to question facts — when faced with potential misinformation. When moderate voices contribute to discussions in a respectful way, they not only enrich the conversation but may also gain a deeper understanding of gender equity issues. Ultimately, awareness and open dialogue are the first steps toward meaningful action.

The Future of International Women’s Day: A World Beyond Inequality

As much as IWD is a day for progress, we should also imagine a future where it is no longer needed as a platform to highlight gender inequality. What would it take for IWD to be purely a celebration of female achievements rather than a day marked by discussions of disparity?

Systemic Change in Workplaces

Gender equity policies should be embedded in company cultures, not just addressed once a year. This includes ensuring diverse leadership pipelines, transparent pay structures, and equitable parental leave policies that encourage shared caregiving responsibilities.

Evolved Masculinity

Men need to feel free to break away from restrictive gender norms. The media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, and as The Invisible Man research suggests, positive portrayals of caregiving, emotional openness, and diverse masculinities can contribute to a healthier, more balanced society (The 100% Project, 2025).

Increased Representation in Leadership

When women’s representation in politics, corporate leadership, and other influential spaces reaches genuine parity, discussions about under-representation will no longer be necessary. True inclusion means that gender equity is the norm rather than an exception.

A Culture of Shared Responsibility

Achieving gender equality requires collective effort. If both men and women advocate for a more inclusive world — whether in government, business, media, or home life — we can create an environment where IWD is no longer a call for change but a celebration of success.

The Role of The 100% Project in Driving Change

At The 100% Project, we are committed to fostering gender equity through research, advocacy, and education. Our initiatives, such as The Invisible Man report, shed light on the systemic barriers that hinder progress and offer actionable insights to create a more equitable future. We encourage men to take an active role in gender discussions, not just on IWD but every day of the year.

The Path Forward

If we want to drive meaningful change, it’s essential to understand the societal influences shaping masculinity and gender equity. The Invisible Man: Masculine Archetypes in the Media provides key insights into how traditional gender roles are reinforced and how they can be reshaped to support a more inclusive future. To explore the full research and discover actionable strategies for fostering gender equity, download The Invisible Man report.

The ultimate success of IWD won’t be measured by how many events are held — but by the day it no longer needs to be a platform for change at all. Until then, men have a responsibility to show up, listen, and take action. Gender equality benefits everyone, and true progress can only be achieved when we work together.

So, this International Women’s Day, let’s go beyond passive acknowledgment. Let’s commit to lasting change, ensuring that future generations will inherit a world where IWD is purely a celebration of success rather than a reminder of the work left to be done.

Follow The 100% Project on LinkedIn if you’re interested to learn more about our research or reach out to us if you want to get involved or explore partnership opportunities with us.

References

• The 100% Project. (2025). The Invisible Man: Masculine Archetypes in the Media. The 100% Project X Innocean.
• Beyond Blue. (2021). Men’s mental health: Understanding the risk factors and challenges. Beyond Blue.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Suicide worldwide in 2022: Global health estimates. World Health Organization.