In most nations, men largely occupy the seats of power. Relying exclusively on women to lead change on gender equality is therefore illogical. We need decent, powerful men to step up beside women to create a more gender equal world.

The Male Champions of Change strategy is about male leaders advocating for and acting to advance gender equality.

As one of the Male Champions of Change said: “Let’s not pretend that there aren’t already established norms that advantage men. Men invented the system. Men largely run the system. Men need to change the system.”

Through the Male Champions of Change strategy decent, powerful men work together to understand gender equality issues and lead action to accelerate progress.

They step up beside women and work collectively to disrupt the status quo.

We are heartened by the many leaders from across the world who – inspired by this concept – are replicating the strategy. We welcome your commitment and offer our experience and resources to assist you.

We know that no two Male Champions of Change groups will be the same. Differing social, cultural and regulatory contexts will make customisation of the strategy critical.

By sharing our approach, we hope to encourage the formation of many more Male Champions of Change groups to support this extraordinary opportunity for inspiring and collective leadership.

Together we can help create unstoppable momentum for a gender equal world.

 

Elizabeth Broderick
Former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Founder of the Male Champions of Change

About Elizabeth Broderick

As Australia’s longest serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner (2007-2015), Elizabeth worked tirelessly to break down structural and social barriers faced by women and men, and to promote gender equality. She is a globally acknowledged leader, social innovator and advocate.

She founded and convenes the ‘Male Champions of Change’ strategy activating influential men to take action on gender equality. She has led 13 major cultural reviews into Australia’s leading national institutions including the Australian Defence Force.

In 2017, Elizabeth was appointed by the United Nations in Geneva as a Special Rapporteur and Independent Expert. She is currently Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls.

In 2016, Elizabeth was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and was named 2016 NSW Australian of the Year.

She is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Sydney, an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, holds Honorary Doctorates of Law from the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales and University of Technology and Honorary Doctorates from Deakin, Edith Cowan and Griffith Universities.