Men as women's allies - yay or nay?

Malaysians concur that men do need to stand together with the women in the push for gender equality. Photo: Freepik

Here's what Malaysians have to say about having men as allies in the push for gender equality.

P. Nathan, finance manager, 32

I think it’s really important for men to do their part in supporting women. These women are our mothers, sisters, daughters. I mean how would you like it if your own loved ones faced sexual harassment or discrimination and no one supported them or stood up for them?

As men, we need to do our part too. If you see a woman being treated unfairly or discriminated or harassed, then you must speak up.

Kamal Hassan, designer, 29

If you see other men – even if they’re your buddies – speak demeaningly about a woman, tegurlah (call them out). They may be upset with you, but you know it’s the right thing to do and it is your responsibility too as a bystander.

And if you really can’t speak up, then please don’t join them in their bad behaviour and add to the problem.

If it was happening to your own mum, wife or child, I’m sure you’d appreciate it if other men would speak up on their behalf too, and not cause more problems for them.

We have to all work together to support women so that we can have a better society.

Andy Lee, retail sales executive, 24

To be honest, I never realised how important it was to support women and speak up on their behalf, until I saw my own mother go through sexual harassment and discrimination when I was younger. My mum is a divorcee and single mother, she raised me and my sister singlehandedly.

Even though I was only a teenager then, I could understand and see her pain when she was harassed and discriminated against at her workplace. At that time, there wasn’t much I could do except be there for her and support her emotionally. But as I grew older, I realised how important it is to speak up whenever you see an injustice happening, and especially when it’s against a woman.

Emily Wong, property sales executive, 37

Working in the sales line, we’re sometimes expected to ‘entertain’ clients to close a deal. There have been incidences when these clients ‘expected more’ and I’m grateful for the times when my male boss and colleagues were there for me and they actually helped me to get out of a ‘sticky situation’.

To me, that’s what a male ally means - someone trusted that you know will support you when needed. I’m not saying that women are the only ones that need support. It works both ways because sometimes men do get harassed too.

M Maniam, teacher, 45

As teachers, we need to set a good example. And as men, we also need to set a good example. I’ve heard of cases where male teachers are the ones that cause the sexual harassment and discrimination, and this is appalling. Not only is it an abuse of the power and authority they’ve been given but it’s destroying the good name of teachers.

It’s time that we men support the women around them, and speak up against sexual harassment and discrimination against women, and set a good example for other men to follow.