International Men’s Day: Celebrating male feminists leading the way for women empowerment

Even till a few years back, many of us were unaware of what constitutes women’s rights and the importance of gender equality in the world. It is only when the effects of disparity came to our own doorsteps did many of us realise the importance of fighting for what is termed as women’s empowerment. Today, a lot of progress has been made—from gaining the right to education to getting the right to vote. The milestones have been many, but we still have a long way to go.

This fight for women empowerment requires voices from all over the world. Fortunately, it’s not just women who understand the essence of this fight—there are many incredible male feminists who are standing up and leading the way today. These men, who understand the critical role they need to play in achieving gender equality, are making a real difference in the lives of women; for instance, Arunachalam Muruganantham’s affordable sanitary napkin has revolutionised women’s menstrual health. Similarly, Dipesh Tank’s battle against gender based-harassment in public spaces has gathered great steam. These male feminists are working tirelessly to create a better world for women.

International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19th and it is a day dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health, promoting gender equality and highlighting the contributions they make to society. On this day, join us as we celebrate male feminists who are leading the way for women’s empowerment.

Harish Sadani

Gender violence is a serious issue that plagues innumerable societies around the world. It affects communities negatively and creates fear and inequality, especially among women. Individuals like Harish Sadani are taking the lead to bring about positive change in this matter. Sadani is the co-founder of Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA), an organisation that works to prevent violence against women since 1993. He works with adolescent boys and young men across India, educating them about healthy relationships, masculinity and sexuality.

He also serves as a consultant for various organisations, where he addresses gender issues and holds training sessions on prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Arunachalam Muruganantham

In many countries around the world, addressing menstrual health or working towards it is stigmatised. While it is a serious concern that effects the physical and mental health of millions of women, it is something that does not get the right attention, particularly in rural areas. In addition, the high cost of sanitary products doesn’t allow most of these women to choose hygienic alternatives, resulting in health issues. Arunachalam Muruganantham is known for his incredible work in improving women’s menstrual health and hygiene in rural India. He has gained recognition for manufacturing sanitary napkins at affordable rates for women in rural areas.

Muruganantham’s journey began when he wanted to understand the challenges faced by women during menstruation. This led him to discover that many were using unsafe materials due to the high cost of sanitary products. He then invented a low-cost machine to produce sanitary napkins.

Through his innovation and courage, Muruganantham has not only provided women access to safe and affordable hygiene products today but also ignited a revolution—his efforts have started a positive conversation around women’s health issues. His organisation also provides employment to local women, making them independent.

Nishi Kant

Crimes like human trafficking are some of the most critical threats that women face across the world and addressing these challenges has always been important. The New Delhi-based NGO Shakti Vahini has been co-founded by social worker Nishi Kant and his brothers Ravi Kant and Rishi Kant with an aim to protect women and children from such abuse and violence. The organisation is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, preventing honour killings and combating human trafficking.

Kant has been working tirelessly to rescue young girls from brothels and trafficking, sometimes at great personal peril. His NGO has built repute for supporting hundreds of vulnerable women and making a significant impact on their lives.

Rajan Choudhary

The gender ratio in most places across the world is skewed and it’s alarming to think that people, irrespective of class and creed, continue to kill the girl child even before they are born. Rajan Choudhary from Rajasthan is an activist who has taken it upon himself to undo this social atrocity—he has been raiding clinics that perform illegal abortions for decades. Known as the ‘Friend of the Unborn’, journalist cum social activist Choudhary has successfully assisted the government in conducting several undercover operations throughout the state, showcasing his commitment to protecting the rights of unborn girls.

Even at the age of 61, Choudhary actively participates in curbing illegal abortions and raising awareness about the importance of valuing and raising the girl child.

Amitabh Kumar

The digital age has transformed our lives, offering connection and information as easily as possible. However, it has also brought with it a fresh set of challenges like cyber harassment and online safety concerns, particularly for women. Amitabh Kumar’s Social Media Matters is an organisation dedicated to making the online world safer for women. It stresses on the importance of educating people about online safety and the issues of cyber harassment. Through his organisation, Kumar strives to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for everyone.

Dr Ganesh Rakh

We belong to a very modern world and yet, the girl child and her value is still lost on a large number of people. Dr Ganesh Rakh has been a ray of hope for thousands of such girl children. Dr Rakh runs a hospital in Pune with a mission to save the girl child. Ten years ago, he started the Mulgi Vachva Abhiyan, a ‘campaign to save the girl child’. Since then, Dr Rakh and his team have helped deliver over 2000 baby girls, offering medical services for free.

He has dedicated his life to protecting the girl child and highlighting the importance of letting them survive and thrive in order to create a better future not only for them but for the society as a whole.

Pravin Nikam

In many places, talking about period health is still taboo, making it hard for people to discuss and understand it. Pravin Nikam, known as the ‘Period Man’, is working to change that. He has trained thousands of men and women about period health, beating the taboos that come with it. His goal is to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about menstruation, especially among the more orthodox in the society.

Nikam also fights for gender equality and helps economically backward students by getting them access to better education.

Dipesh Tank

Many women face harassment while commuting to work on trains and buses, making their daily journeys unsafe and uncomfortable. To fight this, Dipesh Tank launched a campaign called ‘War Against Railway Rowdies’ in 2013. His initiative aims to combat sexual harassment in Mumbai’s local trains. Started after the tragic case of Nirbhaya which deeply affected him, Tank has, through his initiative, helped the railway police arrest several sexual harassers. The 40 year old has been tirelessly working to create a safer environment for female commuters.

Truly, male feminists play an important role in the fight for women’s empowerment. By using their voices and platforms to advocate for equality and by supporting women’s rights and standing against discrimination, they show us that fighting for gender equality benefits all genders and helps create a better future for all.