Gender Equality Impact on Males

Introduction

In addition to the impact of gender equality on females, there is an impact on males. The latter is often under-discussed but is still an important part of achieving true gender equality.

One area of concern is the prioritisation of staff selection on the basis of gender equality over expertise (skills and experiences) and/or competencies; selection should be on merit rather than gender alone.

Some comments by males

“… It is very demotivating to see women get far more opportunities……My workplace has fast tracked schemes for women and promotion exercises are increasingly becoming an ‘only for women’ thing. While they don't say men cannot apply, they are openly discouraged from doing so…”

Sally Patten, 2025a

Organisations need to increase their efforts to get males on side for gender balance to be successful.

“…In any change process, including a push for greater gender balance, there will be a natural resistance to change if some people feeling left out. If we don't engage men, there will be a likelihood they will resist this change…”

Elisabeth Broderick as quoted by Sally Patten, 2025a

More Issues for Men in Gender Equality

1. Changing Gender Roles

• Challenge: Traditional expectations of masculinity (provider, stoic, dominant, etc) are being redefined.
• Impact: Some men struggle with identity, purpose and social roles.
• Example: Stay-at-home fathers or men seeking caregiving roles may face social stigma.

2. Mental Health and Emotional Expression

• Challenge: Cultural norms discourage men from expressing vulnerability.
• Impact: Higher rates of suicide, depression and untreated mental illness.
• Fact: Men are less likely to seek help for emotional or psychological issues.

3. Fatherhood and Parenting Rights

• Challenge: Legal systems and workplaces often favour maternal roles.
• Impact: Limited paternity leave, bias in custody decisions and lack of support for active fatherhood.
• Goal: Equal parenting should be promoted and supported institutionally.

4. Education and Academic Underachievement

• Challenge: Boys and young men are increasingly underperforming in education.
• Impact: Higher dropout rates and less university enrolment.
• Data: In many Western countries, women outnumber men in higher education by a significant margin.

5. Workplace Expectations and Risks

• Challenge: Men dominate high-risk, high-stress or physically demanding jobs.
• Impact: Higher rates of workplace injury and fatalities.
• Note: Gender equality should also focus on occupational health and diversification.

6. Violence and Victimhood

• Challenge: Male victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse or assault often go unrecognized.
• Impact: Shame and lack of support services.
• Need: Inclusive support systems for all victims, regardless of gender.

7. Bias in Gender Equality Narratives

• Challenge: Gender equality discussions sometimes frame men only as privileged or perpetrators.
• Impact: Alienation or resistance among men.
• Solution: Promote a balanced, inclusive dialogue that engages men as partners in change.

8. Access to Support Services

• Challenge: Fewer resources (eg shelters, counselling, etc) targeted at men's unique needs.
• Impact: Less access to help in crises like relationship breakdown, job loss or abuse.

9. Social Isolation

• Challenge: Men often have fewer close social connections than women.
• Impact: Loneliness and isolation, especially in older men.
• Reason: Social norms around emotional openness and friendship can be restrictive.

10. Involvement in Gender Equality Movements

• Challenge: Many men feel excluded from or uncomfortable in gender equality efforts.
• Impact: Lack of male role models and champions of gender equity.
• Opportunity: Encouraging healthy masculinity and inclusive advocacy can foster broader engagement.

Summary

“…Gender equality isn't just a woman's issue. It is an issue for everyone. Companies need to actively engage men, not only as allies but also as key drivers of change. When men are part of the conversation and the solution, we see far more progress. The push for greater gender balance can't succeed if half the population is left out of the process…”

Annika Freyer as quoted by Sally Patten, 2025a

Some of the benefits that males gain include:

• parental paid leave
• healthier work-life balance
• safer work environments
• more equitable opportunities, etc.

Men should be encouraged to express their concerns.