Beyond Cupcakes – How Male Allies Can Drive Real Change.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the world. But this day is about more than just recognition, it’s about action. And meaningful progress requires all of us - men included - to play an active role in gender equity.

The reality? Many male colleagues and leaders genuinely want to be allies but aren’t always sure how to contribute meaningfully. They support gender equity in principle but hesitate, fearing they’ll say or do the wrong thing.

Here’s the good news: allyship isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about everyday actions that drive real change.

Beyond Pink Cupcakes

A morning tea with pink cupcakes or a well-meaning social media post is not enough. In fact, focusing only on symbolic gestures can dilute the importance of the day. Even more frustrating? Too often, the burden of organising IWD events falls on women - the very people we’re supposed to be celebrating.

Allyship means stepping up, not just showing up. So, what does that look like in action?

Five Ways to Be a More Impactful Male Ally

? Listen and Learn

Seek out the experiences of women in your workplace. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen to understand - not to respond. Educating yourself is the first step toward meaningful change.

? Challenge Bias in the Moment

Notice who speaks the most in meetings. If a female colleague is interrupted or has her ideas dismissed, step in and redirect the conversation back to her. If a woman’s idea is overlooked but repeated by a man moments later, call it out.

? Advocate and Amplify

Use your voice to support gender equity, especially in rooms where women aren’t present. Who gets the stretch assignments? Who gets credit? The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has just published its latest pay gap data for Australian employers, revealing that women, on average, earn 78 cents for every dollar men earn. Check your organisation’s pay gap and ask: What’s being done to close it? (Find the WGEA report here)

? Sponsor and Mentor Women

Women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored. Mentorship is about offering advice, but sponsorship is about actively opening doors. Speak up for talented women in your organisation. Advocate for them in decision-making rooms.

? Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words. Taking parental leave, setting boundaries around work-life balance, and advocating for flexible work policies all contribute to an environment where both men and women can thrive.

Because gender equity isn’t just a “women’s issue.” Diversity benefits entire organisations - leading to better decisions, stronger performance, and more inclusive cultures where everyone can succeed.

So this week, the question isn’t just how do we celebrate women? It’s how do we show up as allies, today and every day?

? What’s one action you can take this week to be a better ally?

With love,

Sue