Over the years there has been much discussion about the way we view the value of women in our societies. Along with the ongoing conversation about women’s rights, more and more women are finding the courage to speak out against objectification, unfair treatment, abuse, and harmful expectations they find placed upon them by cultural/societal norms. While there is much to be said about this topic, it’s important to remember that progress will not be possible if we simply overcorrect and diminish the rights of men.
Two things can be true at once-women deserve to be valued and heard while men also deserve to be valued and heard. Their challenges, issues, and circumstances should both be acknowledged and addressed with equal, earnest importance.
But in a time when talk is centered around toxic masculinity, patriarchy, the “Me Too” movement, it’s easy to get caught up in stereotypes and agendas that diminish some important truths:
- Bringing light to bad behavior by men does not mean all men are bad.
- Placing “men” in a stereotypical group is not productive.
- Wrong cannot be made right if we swing too far in the opposite direction.
- Improving women’s rights does not have to mean diminishing men’s rights.
Villainizing men is not the way to progress. If we want things to improve, we need to strive for balance. When we acknowledge the harm done to women regarding societal norms, we must also acknowledge any harm done to men. The truth is, men experience many of the same issues women do, but in different ways. And often men have less resources and help available to them than women actually do.
The ICBM (International Council for Men and Boys) is working hard to bring awareness to this issue, bringing light to some of the challenges that often get overlooked. Following are some examples:
Domestic Violence & Partner Abuse
We hear a lot about domestic violence against women, which is a topic of utmost importance. But women are not the only ones who experience domestic violence or partner abuse. Research shows that when men experience abuse, they have fewer resources available to them and are often left to try and cope alone.
A study published in 2025 revealed that male victims are more likely to experience shame about their situation, and less likely to seek support. This is especially true when so much of the support caters to women. It brings to light the need for more equalization in support that centers around the unique needs and circumstances of both men and women experiencing abuse.
We must remember that abuse does not have a gender – it can happen to anyone. And this of course includes men. We can’t simply assume that domestic abuse is predominantly a women’s issue. We need to go by the factual information and studies that prove it can happen to both men and women. This article provides some helpful insight into the challenges men face with confronting partner abuse.
Mental Health
Would it surprise you to learn that statistically the suicide rate among men is four times the rate of women? While women may experience more suicidal thinking, men are far more likely to actually follow through with it.
The stigma surrounding mental health is often more prevalent when it comes to men. They may resist seeking help, believing it is a sign of weakness. Cultural expectations can make it harder for men to talk openly about emotional pain, stress, or anxiety. The ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) is working to break barriers related to this stigma, and offer more resources to help men through these difficult mental challenges.
Parental Rights
In the court system, men often face bias, harsher treatment, and undue child support burdens when it comes to parental responsibilities. The courts are in theory based on a gender-neutral approach to issues regarding parents and children. But perceptions and outcomes are mixed.
Some information shows that bias may come from individuals working within the court system, rather than the system itself. One way men can combat this is to know their rights going in. Because women are often deemed the primary caretakers of children, the courts sometimes tend to favor this perception. If men understand what rights they actually have, it will be easier for them to approach the situation fairly.
This article has some great information about this topic, and highlights seven specific aspects that men (and women) should know. When it comes to children, and what’s best for them, all pieces should be considered before decisions are made.
Abortion
When it comes to abortion, often referred to as “reproductive rights,” men are usually left out of the picture. There is a lot of emphasis placed on protection for women, who carry the child, but we sometimes discount and underestimate the rights of the father.
Currently, men don’t have a legal say in whether or not a woman decides to terminate a pregnancy. This overlooks the social, emotional, and moral implications a father may experience in regard to abortion. We can, and should, do better with this. Just as a man cannot force a woman to have his child, men should not be forced to comply with an abortion they don’t want to happen.
This article highlights many of the reasons men should be involved in the abortion conversation. We can’t overlook the fact that “reproductive rights” are not just about women. Men play a crucial part in reproduction as well, and they deserve to be included. Putting the emphasis on men as Fathers, rather than simply reducing their role to the “donation of sperm,” changes the way we see this issue. And that can change the way we go forward.
Moving Ahead
There is much we can do to make sure both men and women are included in the conversations regarding equal rights. Becoming aware of the issues, and keeping an open perspective goes a long way in this debate. Any time we are faced with an issue that seems unfair, we can take a step back and evaluate the big picture. This is especially true when it comes to human rights.
Equal rights are not about gender. It should be fair rights for all humankind.
That being said, some issues create imbalances that threaten our unity as human beings. In trying to correct these imbalances, societies sometimes overcorrect, creating new problems in the process. We must remain mindful of this and seek solutions that restore balance rather than create further division.
Just as we can’t diminish the value of women without harming society, we also can’t diminish the value of men as fathers, leaders, husbands, and contributors without also causing harm. Men and women are inherently different, and both have unique strengths to offer. When we all work together, and truly strive to create equal rights for all, we can find mutual respect and fairness for everyone involved. May we remember that pitting men and women against each other, or valuing one’s rights over another, will never be a real solution to anything.
