True change requires men to actively challenge the patriarchal norms that enable abuse and violence.
One in three women globally experiences extreme violence, often inflicted by male partners. This silent epidemic not only devastates women but also harms men in ways that are less visible but equally profound. The cycle of toxic masculinity—rooted in dominance, control and fear—traps men in a legacy of violence, limiting emotional expression and fostering damaging behaviors.
Recent tragedies underscore how pervasive this violence is. Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei was brutally set aflame by her partner. Days earlier, the world was shocked by the brutal rape and murder of a young trainee doctor in India. The recent case in France of Dominique Pelicot who drugged, tortured and gang-raped his wife Gisele for over four decades, is horrifying.
These incidents are not isolated; they are tragic reminders of the entrenched nature of violence against women in every society.
As the global executive director of Equality Now, I see how men’s involvement is crucial in this fight. For over 32 years, we’ve worked to change over 85 laws that perpetuate sexual violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation and trafficking. Yet legal reforms alone are not enough. True change requires men to actively challenge the patriarchal norms that enable abuse and violence.
A Call to Men, who recently honored Equality Now for our work to end sexual violence, and Equimundo are addressing violence by men on a global scale. “Men need gender equality as much as gender equality needs men,” said Gary Barker of Equimundo.
Prevalent masculine norms not only harm women but also erode men’s mental health, relationships and social wellbeing. Men who witness or perpetrate violence often suffer guilt, anger and long-term psychological effects. Violence destroys trust and intimacy in relationships and perpetuates harmful behaviors in the next generation.
Men need gender equality as much as gender equality needs men.
Gary Barker, Equimundo
Men, your moment is now. The world needs you to rise to the challenge of ending this violence. Action is required—not just words. Challenge misogyny, objectification and harmful behaviors when you see them. Educate yourselves on the systems that perpetuate violence, support organizations fighting for gender equality, and mentor young men to embrace respect and healthy expressions of masculinity.
Laws like the recently reauthorized Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are critical, but they are not enough. The eradication of gender-based violence is not a “women’s issue”—it’s a global imperative. As former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, it’s a threat to democracy, a barrier to peace and a moral outrage.
Let’s build a society where power is shared, respect is mutual and violence is no longer tolerated. Men, you have a role in dismantling the systems that harm us all. The future of women’s lives—and the world we leave behind—depends on it.
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