HeForShe in Academia: How Howard University is Pioneering Male Allyship and Gender Equality

Howard University—a preeminent Historically Black College and University (HBCU)—is taking a bold and inspiring lead as the only HBCU in the HeForShe Alliance. Through active engagement, inclusive dialogue, and structured commitments, Howard is shaping what male allyship and gender equality look like in higher education.

With a predominately female student body and a dynamic history of advancing social justice, Howard University recognizes its unique responsibility to empower aspiring and current women leaders. The institution’s Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership (CWGGL) has been pivotal in creating educational programs and initiatives that address barriers to gender equality. In a co-ed environment where less than 30% of the undergraduate population identifies as male, fostering male allyship becomes both a challenge and a critical goal. 

One of Howard’s initiatives is the HeForShe Town Hall, organized in collaboration with the University President’s office and the HeForShe Initiative. This event has become a space for meaningful conversations between students, faculty, and male allies. The discussions focus on dismantling patriarchy, confronting intersectional gender oppression, and redefining masculinity in ways that promote gender equity. During these town halls, panelists and participants alike explore the nuanced dynamics of gender equality at Howard and beyond. They address the paradox of male influence in an environment where men are the minority yet often occupy positions of hegemonic power. This acknowledgment forms the foundation for constructive dialogue on how male students can actively support gender equality.

Howard’s commitment to male allyship was also on display at the 2023 HeForShe Summit, where student Joshua Hughes participated in the panel titled “Disrupting the Narrative on Men and Boys.” As a young Black male aspiring to work in education, Joshua highlighted the stark reality of dwindling numbers of Black men in higher education. He shared how the current male-to-female student ratio at Howard impacts both campus life and broader societal outcomes for Black professionals. His perspective resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for more Black male allies to step up, engage, and support gender equity—not just on campus, but within their communities and future careers.

Howard’s engagement with HeForShe extends beyond dialogue. The university is leveraging its status as a leading HBCU to mobilize communities across the United States and the African diaspora. By championing policies, programs, and practices that promote gender equality, Howard is creating a blueprint for how academic institutions can lead transformative change. 

Read more about Howard University’s results in our HeForShe Alliance IMPACT Report 2024