Less-spoken truths on empowerment
Empowering men has been one of my passions, as I recognise that the societal challenges I faced as a young girl in the township were equally experienced by boys in the same environment.
Understanding men’s empowerment is a crucial starting point. Male empowerment refers to the efforts and actions taken to ensure that men have equal opportunities, rights, and resources in society. It involves challenging gender stereotypes, promoting positive masculinity, and creating an inclusive environment where men can fully participate and thrive in various aspects of life. Women empowerment has a close meaning. The controversy is that high-ranking positions in listed entities are predominantly occupied by men, but that is not the majority of men in society. Additionally, the concept in its full definition is not only about positions held.
It is important to note that male empowerment is not in competition with other groups, such as women. Difference makers like us chartered accountants have the power to drive positive changes and ensure that no groups are left behind in the journey towards empowerment.
My genesis and the importance of men’s empowerment
While there have been numerous interventions aimed at empowering girls and women, there is still a lack of inclusivity for boys and men in transformative initiatives. Reflecting on my own experiences, I wonder how my brother would have benefited from the same exposure, guidance, and opportunities that were specifically designed for girls and women, such as participating in Take a Girl Child to Workday or school exposure programmes. This led me to become involved in the finance Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging forum at Standard Bank, where I represent the men’s workstream. The importance of men’s empowerment extends beyond benefiting men themselves: it has a magnanimous potential to positively impact society as a whole. Empowerment is not a zero-sum game, but rather a win-win situation for everyone involved. Therefore, empowering every group within society highlights the value of every individual and fosters inclusivity.
Dialogues and action
Empowerment is achieved through open dialogue and taking action. The starting point may vary for each group, depending on their specific challenges. However, the key is to initiate positive action. In the business context, it is essential to assess whether action plans are in place for every group within our organisations. Additionally, the impact of these actions should extend beyond the workplace and into the broader environments in which we operate.
For men, engaging in authentic dialogues is a great starting point. These conversations should address real issues men face without downplaying or dismissing their experiences. Positive discussions about progress made should also be encouraged. These dialogues will cover a range of topics like mental health and gender-based violence.
The essence
Stephen R Covey, in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote: ‘Among other things, I believe that giving “wings” to our children and to others means empowering them with the freedom to rise above negative scripting that had been passed down to us.’
My goal is to see inclusive interventions that cater to the unique needs of each group. While my focus is on empowering men, I encourage others to take action within their spheres of influence. Together, we can create a society where everyone has equal opportunities and empowerment is a shared goal.
