Give to Gain: Men and Boys as Partners in Advancing Women’s Empowerment

In honour of International Women’s Day 2026, Youth Members of the Caribbean Male Network—Shalinee Bahadur (Trinidad and Tobago) and Randall Theodule (St. Lucia) amplify the campaign theme ​‘Give to Gain’, which emphasizes that supporting women’s rights helps create communities in which everyone can thrive. They highlight tangible ways men and boys can step up for women’s rights and gender justice. 

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When men and boys actively support gender equality, they contribute to a culture that values respect, dignity and opportunity for all

Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress toward gender equality while renewing our commitment to the work that still lies ahead. While the day often celebrates the achievements of women, it is also a moment to recognize that advancing gender justice is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of everyone, including men and boys. 

This year, the global campaign theme ​“Give to Gain” reminds us of a simple but powerful idea. When we invest in women and girls, everyone benefits. The idea behind the campaign is straightforward. By giving our time, resources, support, and advocacy toward women’s empowerment, we create stronger families, healthier communities, and more equitable societies. 

For men and boys, this message is especially important. Gender equality is not a ​‘women’s issue.’ It is a societal goal that requires partnership. Supporting women and girls does not mean stepping aside but rather stepping up. It means recognizing that the opportunities and freedoms we want for ourselves should be available for everyone. 

There are many tangible ways men and boys can contribute to this work:

1. Challenge harmful stereotypes by actively questioning and opposing attitudes that perpetuate inequalities.
2. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equality, such as educational programs, campaigns, and organizations dedicated to gender justice.
3. Encourage women’s leadership and participation by advocating for their voices to be heard in decision-making settings such as community groups, workplaces, and political leadership.
4. Mentor and empower the next generation of boys by modeling positive masculinity in their daily lives through respect, empathy, and equality.

Across the globe, there is growing recognition that engaging men and boys is essential to advancing gender justice. Governments, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements across the region are working on transforming masculinities, preventing gender-based violence, and encouraging men to become allies in supporting women’s rights and leadership. 

The Caribbean Male Action Network (CariMAN) is part of this movement. CariMAN works across the region to engage men and boys in transforming masculinities and promoting gender equality. This mission is achieved through regional collaboration, advocacy, training, and community engagement. The Network supports men and boys and encourages them to challenge harmful norms and play an active role in building more just and equitable societies, as their involvement is crucial in supporting gender equality and dismantling systemic barriers that affect all genders. 

International Women’s Day reminds us that the process toward equality is not achieved by women alone. It requires collective action and shared commitment. When men and boys actively support gender equality, they contribute to a culture that values respect, dignity, and opportunity for all. This concept is the heart of the ​“Give to Gain” message. By giving our support, our time, and our commitment to empowering women and girls, we help build stronger communities and a more just world.

Gender equality requires action, not just words. Men and boys must recognize that they play an important role in building a more equitable and inclusive society. This International Women’s Day, we encourage all men and boys to commit to being intentional allies by challenging inequality when we see it, supporting women and girls’ leadership and voices, and modeling respect and accountability in our daily lives. When men and boys choose to stand alongside women in the pursuit of fairness and dignity, we help to create communities in which everyone can thrive. Today’s call is simple: Step up, speak out, and take action because gender equality benefits everyone. 

Submit an Application to join the Caribbean Male Action Network. Reach out to email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information. 

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Written by CariMAN Youth Members — Shalinee Bahadur (Trinidad and Tobago) and Randall Theodule (St. Lucia)