Behind Every Strong Woman: The Men Who Empower Them!

• 07 March 2025

Behind Every Strong Woman: The Men Who Empower Them

It is often said that behind every successful man, there is a strong woman. But let’s flip the narrative—behind every strong and empowered woman, there is a progressive-thinking man who chooses to uplift rather than oppress. A father who refuses to clip his daughter’s wings, a brother who stands as her shield, a husband who walks beside her as an equal, a son who respects and values her strength, or a boss who breaks barriers so she can lead.

Women’s empowerment is not just about women fighting for their place—it’s about men choosing to break the cycle of inequality. It’s about those who refuse to conform to outdated traditions and instead champion a future where women and men rise together. Across the world, male allies—whether world leaders, corporate executives, educators, or everyday family members—have proven that empowerment is not a solitary fight but a shared mission.

The Reality: Where Do We Stand?

Women across the globe have made tremendous strides in education, leadership, and economic participation.

• Education: According to UNESCO, girls’ enrollment in schools has increased significantly, with more women than ever before pursuing higher education. In many countries, including Mauritius, women make up more than 55% of university graduates.

• Workforce Participation: Despite academic success, the global labor force participation rate for women remains around 47%, compared to 72% for men, highlighting the need for more inclusive work environments.

• Leadership: From the boardroom to the ballot box, women are rising. Today, there are over 30 female heads of state worldwide, a historic high, yet true gender parity in leadership is still a work in progress.

• Gender Pay Gap: Women, on average, earn about 20% less than men globally, emphasizing the ongoing fight for economic equality.

Men Who Paved the Way for Women’s Success

While much of the discourse around Women’s Day focuses on celebrating women, it is equally important to recognize the men who have played instrumental roles in fostering gender equality.

World Leaders Who Champion Women’s Rights

• Justin Trudeau (Canada): As a self-proclaimed feminist, the Canadian Prime Minister has made gender equality a priority in government, appointing an equal number of men and women to his cabinet.

• Barack Obama (USA): During his presidency, Obama advocated for equal pay, introduced initiatives to support women in STEM, and consistently spoke out against gender-based discrimination.

• Paul Kagame (Rwanda): Under his leadership, Rwanda has one of the highest percentages of female parliamentarians in the world, proving that policies and governance can truly drive change.

The Fathers Who Believe in Their Daughters’ Dreams

In many households, fathers have played key roles in breaking gender stereotypes.

• Malala Yousafzai’s Father, Ziauddin Yousafzai (Pakistan): He defied societal norms by ensuring his daughter received an education, despite the threats of extremists. Today, Malala is a Nobel Prize-winning activist for girls’ education.

• Ashok, a fisherman from Mauritius: He ensured his daughter Neha pursued her dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer despite societal norms that expected her to take on a more ‘traditional’ role. “If she can dream it, she can achieve it,” he always told her. Today, Neha is working with an international airline, proving that encouragement from fathers can reshape destinies.

Husbands and Partners Who Share the Load

Beyond professional achievements, true empowerment begins at home.

• Prince Harry (UK): As a member of the British royal family, he has actively supported his wife Meghan Markle in her activism for women’s rights, emphasizing that men should be part of the movement for gender equality.

• Kevin, a bank manager in Port Louis, Mauritius: He and his wife, a teacher, share household responsibilities, ensuring that their two daughters grow up understanding that chores and parenting are not just ‘women’s duties.’ His message is clear: equality starts within our homes.

Corporate Leaders Who Empower Women

In the corporate world, several male CEOs and entrepreneurs have taken steps to create inclusive workplaces. Companies are now implementing policies that promote maternity benefits, flexible work hours, and leadership training for women.

• Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce): He conducted company-wide pay audits and corrected wage gaps to ensure women earned the same as men.

• Jean-Pierre, a business owner in the textile sector in Mauritius: He launched an initiative to upskill single mothers by providing them with technical training and employment opportunities. “Empowering women is not just about fairness; it’s about creating stronger economies and healthier societies,” he says.

Moving Forward Together

Women’s empowerment is not just a women’s issue—it is a battle for justice, equality, and progress that requires the commitment of both genders. Across the world, men have taken on the role of mentors, educators, and supporters, ensuring that women can rise without limitations.

As we celebrate Women's Day, let us also celebrate these men—the fathers, brothers, husbands, colleagues, and friends—who refuse to accept a world where women are held back. Because true progress happens when we stand together, fight together, and rise together.

To all the men who choose to empower rather than suppress, who uplift rather than oppress—we see you, we honor you, and we thank you.

Happy Women’s Day to all!