3 Ways Men Can Advance Gender Equity at Work

The majority of men report that they care about the issue. Here’s what’s holding them back from enacting change.

While workplace culture continues to lag behind in gender equity, the majority of men report that they overwhelmingly care about the issue. So why aren’t more of them involved, be it in company-sponsored gender diversity initiatives or in advancing gender equity in general? There are three main barriers that seem to be holding them back. For men to join in the effort toward gender equity, male organizational leaders need to acknowledge fear, address ignorance, and overcome apathy — and, just as importantly, they need to understand that it’s not about them. It’s about creating a workplace that works for everyone. Here’s how male leaders can get themselves — and their peers — meaningfully involved in advancing gender equity at work.

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  Colleen M. Tolan is the postdoctoral research associate for the Rutgers Center for Women in Business. She has a PhD in communication and media from Temple University. Her research interests include interpersonal conflict, civil discourse, and equitable work environments.
  

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  Lisa S. Kaplowitz is the executive director of the Rutgers Center for Women in Business and an associate professor of professional practice in the finance department at Rutgers Business School. She has 25 years of experience as an investment banker and CFO and routinely speaks on issues related to gender equity and advancing women in business. Her TEDx, “Advancing Women by Redistributing the Housework, One Son at a Time,” highlights the need for equal distribution of household responsibilities.
  

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