Men, we need to talk

Talk to your brothers, sons, boyfriends, husbands, friends, colleagues, fathers, team mates.

The worst thing you can do right now is be dismissive and think, “this is a women’s issue” or get defensive and argue, “but it’s not all men!”

This is a MEN’S ISSUE. All men have a responsibility to listen, learn and speak up if you witness words or behaviour that is inflicting harm.

Don’t ignore something because it makes you uncomfortable. Choosing to remain silent is choosing to be complicit.

Violence doesn’t only mean physical violence. Violence can be verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, intimidation, coercion. Nonphysical violence can harm a person mentally, emotionally and psychologically, and can be just as damaging as physical violence.

Men, why are so many of you so afraid to talk about this issue? Because of what other men might think or say? Because you don’t want to rock the boat? Because your masculinity feels threatened? Because “not all men”?

We are afraid to speak out because we’re afraid of getting victim-blamed, fired, assaulted, raped or murdered. We are afraid of not being believed, of not being taken seriously, of not being supported when we need it most.

Stop voting for politicians who pick and choose whose life has more value. Their silence is deafening. Their lack of action speaks volumes.

Men, it is YOUR responsibility to listen, learn, speak up and initiate change. You owe us that much. Why? Because often it doesn’t feel safe for us to speak up when any kind of violence is being inflicted on us.

It is the bare minimum and the very least you can do.

And while I’m at it, let this be a reminder to all of us (me included) that the Bla(c)k, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQIA+ & disabled communities face a high risk of violence which means women in those communities are even more vulnerable.

Love and solidarity to all my sisters (not just cisters).