Both Weiss and Maenpaa agree that the first step towards allyship is for men to start listening to women’s stories — without inserting themselves or trying to defend other men.
“Educate yourself on gender dynamics, consent and emotional labor without relying on the women in your life to be your teachers,” Maenpaa said.
Maenpaa also adds that it’s important for men to continue championing women even beyond this trend.
“Men can play a role in amplifying women’s perspectives — whether that means crediting their ideas, sharing their stories, or stepping back to make space for their leadership.”
Another obvious way men can be better allies is to hold their male friends accountable for their actions, according to Weiss.
“Men might be surprised by how many of their friends do mistreat women behind closed doors,” Weiss said, “and it’s essential that they speak up for women.”
For Maenpaa, accountability doesn’t have to look like confrontation, but it does require courage.
“If your friend makes a sexist joke, say, ‘That’s not funny!’ If you hear someone bragging about behavior that crosses a line, you don’t have to laugh along. You can say, ‘That actually sounds pretty messed up.’ Silence is complicity. And if you truly value women, your values have to show up when women aren’t in the room.”
Lastly, understand that allyship isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s about constantly showing up, even if it feels uncomfortable, unpopular and inconvenient, Maepenaa said. “That’s where real change begins.”
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
