We need more male allies

Don’t let her suffer alone: It is important for more men take a firm and vocal position against the normalisation of toxic patriarchy in our society if we are to make tangible strides towards gender equality.

WHEN 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam spoke out against a teacher who joked about rape in class, she received a lot of backlash, including rape threats.

Undeterred, Ain, with the backing of her father Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab, launched a social media campaign called #MakeSchoolASaferPlace, urging other students, parents and the public to speak up against against gender-based violence (GBV) in schools. While many praised Saiful Nizam for his unconditional support of his daughter’s stand, there were a few who panned him.