Apparently #timesup, so should men be saying #metoo in a stand against the gender pay gap and sexual harassment in the workplace?

At a time when women are standing up for equality and justice around the world there is something missing. Vocal support from men. I’m not saying that all men don’t support our equality but the truth of the matter is that it pales in comparison to our own efforts. Our current situation is because of men who abuse their positions of power. This is not a female issue or problem, it is in fact a male issue and problem.

Everyone has a mother, daughter, sister, wife, aunt or grandmother. As a man what are you doing to support us and more importantly our future? What do you think these women in your life would say about your efforts to support their right to equal pay and title as well as the ability to do a job without fear of being sexually harassed?

Women have been working very hard for a very long time to be heard on so many issues. Social media has now given us a platform that enables us to extend our reach and be heard by so many and raise awareness. Is awareness enough though? How does this awareness change the perception of women and also the current situation? Furthermore, where are all the men standing up for our equal work rights and also our right to not be sexually harassed at work?

Most recently high profiled women publically came forward on social media to share their experiences and have demanded change. Through this so many of us felt empowered to share our experiences and also to show support. #metoo

In the US last week, influential women and men wore all black in support and to represent the #TimesUp campaign. This is a movement that includes 300 of some of the most well-known names in the entertainment industry.

The media raved about it and the # trended on twitter. Oprah was called to run for the presidency and everyone rejoiced on how wonderful it all was. Is that it? What else is being done? Where is the call to action? What’s being done here in the UK? Should I just share the memes and # appropriately on social media or can more actually be done to force this change?

Across Europe businesses are being forced to publish figures outlining the gender pay gap. Already over 500 businesses in the UK published their figures which quite frankly were disappointing to say the least. 

Businesses were quick to point out that the reason for such poor figures was that they had predominantly more men in higher paying roles than women. Well that’s precisely the problem! The lack of women in higher paid roles isn’t the explanation for these disappointing figures its actually the problem. 

Why is it that we discuss these issues as if women are victims that have been hard done by? Why isn’t it a male issue? Why aren’t men coming forward to expose their fellow man for abusing their positions of power by subjecting women to sexual harassment? Why isn’t it a male issue that all male boards of directors don’t have more women on the board and also in higher paid roles?

2018 hails 100 years since women secured the right to vote in the UK, a massive milestone in female history. We have achieved so much and continue to climb and succeed. Sexual harassment and inequalities in pay haven’t hindered our drive to achieve equality. Today I am proud to be a woman, a working mother and a wife. It is because of our past that I am now granted the opportunities I have today. It is also as equally important that I have the support from my husband to do all of these things as easily as I do.

Gentlemen, where the hell are you? How much support do you offer women in the workplace and how much do you do to help us achieve equality? Have you ever stepped in to publically support your female colleague who was being sexually harassed at work? Will you hold your current employer to question for paying you more than your female counterpart? Better yet, have you changed your own business in support of equal opportunities and pay? Wouldn’t you defend your mother, sister, daughter or wife if they were subjected to this?

This issue goes much deeper as there are inequalities across genders, races, ages, and sexualities in the workplace. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally regardless of who you are. Provided you can do the job you should be offered the same opportunities and benefits as anyone else at your level.

As a member of the human race it is your responsibility to stand up for justice and what is right. The world is changing. This is not the time to keep your mouth shut over gender inequalities, racism, ageism, sexual harassment and inequalities in pay. Do not sit back and accept that which can easily be changed. Do something, say something, make sure you’re heard, and demand change!