Standing with Women in Times of Change
As men, supporting women and girls is essential. Healthy masculinity is about considering issues outside of the male sphere. Read more below.
When I interviewed educator Matt Segil, I asked him how he would define healthy masculinity and he shared the following:
When I think about healthy masculinity, it means thinking about people other than just men and not basing everything around men’s wants, needs, and desires.
He learned this from his dad, who is an OBGYN and works closely with women’s health. I hadn’t heard someone define healthy masculinity in this way before, but it resonated with me and aligned with my values of empathy.
As men, supporting women and girls is essential. Recently, the US election results have caused fear and grief, especially among many women who are worried about their reproductive rights. Regardless of who we voted for or our political views, most of us can understand the fear that comes from a loss of control over our lives.
While we, as a country, may have different opinions on issues like abortion, we can recognize that many people are feeling scared and uncertain. Most of us know a woman who is now wondering how politics will shape her choices and life, as the government increasingly plays a role in decisions about her body. As men, we don’t face this same fear over control of our bodies, so it’s important to acknowledge and empathize with what women around us are feeling. To me, that’s a core part of healthy masculinity.
When I think about the type of man I want to be, I hope to show empathy and compassion, even toward those who many not agree with me. I truly believe that unity makes us stronger, and it’s important to support each other through these challenges.
Men, especially, hold many protected rights because we’re often the ones writing the policies and laws. Women’s needs and lives aren’t always fully considered or understood in these decisions. This is why perspectives like Matt’s are so valuable. If we can think about how our actions affect others, we can work toward a more compassionate and united country.