Business leaders in action: Championing gender equality

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, advancing gender equality is not just a moral imperative—it’s a business advantage. Research shows that achieving gender equality could unlock more than $12 trillion in new market opportunities linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, at the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years to reach full gender parity and 152 years for women to achieve complete economic inclusion.

The stakes are high and the solution is clear: gender equality requires the active participation of everyone. 

As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said, “To change the culture of male-domination and bring balance, we need equality in leadership, decision-making and participation at all levels.” 

Male allies have a unique role to play in creating a more equitable workplace, and their engagement is essential for driving systemic change.

When male leaders actively support their female colleagues, challenge discriminatory behaviors and champion inclusive policies, they help build a corporate culture where diversity thrives. This isn’t just about being supportive; it’s about making tangible commitments to break down barriers and create pathways for women to succeed. 

Male allyship that actively promotes gender equality can be a catalyst for innovation, improved team performance and better decision-making, which in turn drives business growth.

In the face of a global backlash against women’s rights and gender equality, there has never been a more crucial time for male leaders to step up. 

Male allies are vital in transforming workplace culture. By taking a stand, these leaders can challenge outdated norms, create safe spaces for dialogue and promote practices that ensure equal opportunities for all employees. 

Male allyship is not limited to the workplace. The impetus is on allies to extend their influence on the company’s marketplaces and communities to drive more inclusion and diversity with the extended stakeholder community.

For businesses, the benefits are clear. A diverse and inclusive workforce leads to higher levels of employee engagement, increased innovation and stronger financial performance. When men actively engage as allies, they help build a more balanced, supportive and thriving corporate environment.

The journey to becoming an effective male ally starts with awareness and a willingness to listen. Here are some steps corporate leaders can take to support gender equality:

• Educate yourself: Understand the challenges that women face in your organization and industry. Leverage resources like the How to Be a Male Ally for Gender Equality e-learning course
• Educate your workplace: Assemble a group of colleagues/create an employee resource group and take the upcoming Mainstreaming Male Allyship: An Action Guide for Business to learn actionable strategies for fostering inclusion
• Challenge bias: Actively call out discriminatory behaviors and address unconscious biases within your teams
• Promote policies that support gender equality: Advocate for inclusive policies, such as equal pay for work of equal value, paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Advocate for applying a quota to procure from women-owned or women-operated businesses
• Mentor and sponsor women: Use your influence to open doors for female colleagues, providing mentorship, sponsorship and opportunities for growth within your company and community

The theme for International Women’s Day is “Let’s Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality.” In support of this, the UN Global Compact is encouraging corporate leaders to become male allies. 

Explore the offerings of the UN Global Compact on male allyship and take the first step towards a more inclusive future. By doing so, you’ll advance gender equality and drive business success and societal impact. Together, we can accelerate progress towards gender parity and create a world where everyone can thrive.