Observed on 26 August, Women’s Equality Day is a moment to reflect on progress toward gender equality and on the gaps that remain. In the United States, the date marks the certification of the 19th Amendment, which secured women’s voting rights. Around the world, many women still face barriers to education, participation in public life, access to justice and personal safety, and in some regions harmful practices such as sex-selective abortion persist.
Why write about women’s equality on a men’s well-being site? Because equality benefits everyone. Supporting women’s rights is compatible with caring about men’s health and experiences. The aim is not to rank one group’s experience above another’s, but to build a fairer society in which people of all genders can thrive.
What equality means in practice
Political equality means equal rights and opportunities. It does not imply that men and women are psychologically identical. Honest, respectful discussion about similarities and differences can help services and relationships meet real needs. For example, cultural expectations that men should hide vulnerability can make help-seeking harder; addressing those norms (see Boys Don’t Cry?) supports healthier lives and more equal partnerships.
Safeguards in the work
Therapeutic work with men benefits from diverse perspectives and robust supervision. Bringing women’s viewpoints into clinical reflection helps avoid “boys’ club” blind spots and keeps the focus on accountability, consent and respect (related reading: Anger, Aggression and Abuse).
How men can support equality today
- Listen and learn. Engage with women’s everyday experiences—from workplace bias to health topics that men may not encounter directly (for instance, Men and Menstruation).
- Model respectful relationships. Practice healthy communication, share care work, and challenge sexist comments or behavior in your circles.
- Use your voice and vote. Support policies and organizations advancing safety, education, health care access and economic opportunity for women and girls.
On a day that honors the ideal of women’s equality, men’s solidarity matters. Standing with those who face discrimination is not only just—it strengthens families, communities and the well-being of everyone.