I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with Dr Jen de Vries who has been at the forefront of gender equity discussions for decades. Particularly, we explored ‘the next step’ in this work — a step which involves men, not just as allies, but as partners; partners in the idea that gender equity — in all spheres of life — is best served by creating a culture where all of us, including all genders, can live full, rounded lives. Clearly, removing employment and income barriers for women and other genders is a crucial part of that. But perhaps we also need to open the way for men, as well as women, to say ‘no’ to de-humanised workplaces that make it impossible for any of us to have satisfying lives within and beyond work.
This work brought to mind a song that I wrote and recorded when my kids were younger. It’s a little bit raw — emotionally and musically — but I think it reflects the experience of many men, and perhaps increasing numbers of women.
Let’s not lower our sights so far that we reduce ‘gender equity’ to mean equal participation in workplaces that shatter the human spirit. Click on the link to listen... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7HZNKTWppc