Driving Global Change: The Role of Men and Boys in Achieving Gender Equality

The 2024 HeForShe Summit panel discussion on gender equality highlighted the importance of men and boys as allies in dismantling patriarchal norms and championing gender equity. Held during the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the discussion framed these issues within the context of the broader global challenges addressed at UNGA. This year’s summit also coincided with the Beijing+30 review, marking three decades since the groundbreaking Fourth World Conference on Women. The panel reflected on how these global discussions intersect with gender equality and offered actionable insights into the role that men, organizations, and communities can play to drive forward this agenda. 

Moderated by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Jaha Dukureh, the panel delved into the progress of the HeForShe Alliance and how its members are driving positive change in gender equality across sectors. Dukureh set the stage by emphasizing the importance of role modelling male allyship in our communities.  

“Our fathers are our HeForShe’s in our communities, in our households, in our villages, in everywhere that we go and I think we will not be able to end female mutilation without having them on this journey.” 

The conversation then moved into tangible examples of leadership from the private sector and civil society. Lisa Felton, Director of the Vodafone Group Foundation, highlighted Vodafone’s pioneering work in addressing domestic violence. She explained how Vodafone’s global domestic abuse policy has supported employees and communities, offering paid leave, counseling, and technology-driven solutions like the BrightSky app.  

The business sector also has a pivotal role to play in advancing gender equality. Thato Motlanthe, Acting Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer of MTN Group pointed out that gender equality isn’t just a moral objective for MTN—it’s essential to the company’s growth. "Since half of our customers are women, it makes sense. When women thrive, so does our business." This message is aligned with the broader discussions at UNGA79, where sustainable development, equity, and inclusion are viewed as critical to economic recovery and global progress. 

David Jones, Co-Founder of One Young World called on men to advocate for equal representation in leadership and workplaces. Jones provided actionable steps men can take, from taking the panel pledge (refusing to participate in all-male panels) to mentorship and sponsorship of female leaders. His vision for the future is one where gender parity isn’t a goal but a standard, achievable only when men step up as genuine partners in the fight for equality.  

Tiemen Meester, Group Chief Operating Officer of Ports and Terminals, DP World highlighted how technology is reshaping industries like shipping, traditionally dominated by men, to become more inclusive. Mr. Meester shared how DP World’s introduction of remote crane operations in Korea eliminated the need for operators to work 65 meters above ground, allowing them to perform tasks from an office setting. This shift has made the role more attractive to women, leading to the hiring of the first 25 South Korean women to manage these cranes remotely. 

As the panelists outlined their visions for gender equality, one theme became clear: achieving true equality requires partnership. The HeForShe Alliance, with its diverse members from various sectors, demonstrates the power of collaboration. Through corporate leadership, community initiatives, and a commitment to challenging traditional gender norms, the Alliance is well-positioned to continue driving progress toward gender equality in the coming years.