What Role Do Men Play? How Men Can Be Allies in Advancing Women’s Careers
May 30, 2025
We talk a lot about the importance of women in the workplace, and how to support them. But I want to shift focus towards men, who hold significant power for creating change.
Achieving gender equality in the workplace is a collective endeavour that necessitates active participation from both women and men. In the UK, while significant strides have been made, disparities persist, underscoring the crucial role men play in championing an inclusive work environment.
Understanding Perceptions vs. Reality
A study by HiBob reveals a disconnect between men's perceptions and women's experiences in the workplace. While 76% of working men believe their companies offer equal pay for the same roles, the reality is there is a 7% pay gap favouring men. Additionally, 69% of men think promotions are performance-based and gender-neutral, yet 26% of women were overlooked for promotions in 2024, compared to 20% of men (Startups).
Moreover, one in four women have felt uncomfortable or less qualified due to their gender, and 36% have faced workplace harassment in the past five years. Despite this, 73% of men view their company's approach to harassment as supportive, highlighting the gap between perception and reality.
Men's Support for Gender Equality
Encouragingly, a Fawcett Society survey indicates that 86% of men desire equal opportunities for the women in their lives. However, 60% believe that men in leadership won't make room for women unless compelled (The Telegraph).
Moreover, a Time article highlights that 69% of men say they actively champion women in their day-to-day work. However, 64% of men believe that both men and women are equally willing to talk about gender equality.
Case Study: HeForShe and the Power of Male Allies
A compelling example of men’s positive impact is the HeForShe campaign, launched by UN Women in 2014. Designed to engage men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equality, the movement calls on them to challenge gender norms, support women's rights, and help dismantle systemic barriers. Prominent leaders and public figures, such as Emma Watson, have helped raise awareness and global participation in the initiative.
Since its launch, HeForShe has driven real change. Over 2 billion people have committed to the campaign, and companies within the HeForShe IMPACT initiative have reported tangible improvements: closing gender pay gaps, increasing female representation in leadership, and adopting more inclusive parental leave policies. In countries like Malawi and Rwanda, HeForShe pledges have contributed to expanding girls’ education and women’s political participation. The campaign demonstrates that when men are intentionally included in the conversation, progress accelerates for everyone.
Active Steps for Male Allies
To bridge the gap between intention and action, men in the UK workplace can:
- Acknowledge Unconscious Biases: Recognise and address inherent biases that may influence decisions, ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
- Champion Transparent Policies: Advocate for clear policies on pay equity, promotions, and anti-harassment, fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
- Engage in Open Dialogues: Participate in conversations about gender equality, listening to women's experiences to better understand challenges and collaboratively develop solutions.
- Mentor and Sponsor Women: Actively mentor female colleagues, providing guidance and opportunities that pave the way for their advancement into leadership roles.
Men's active involvement is indispensable in the journey towards workplace gender equality in the UK. By moving beyond passive support to deliberate action, men can help dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape for everyone.
