Traditionally, men have been on the sidelines in the struggle to advance the rights of girls and women around the world.
That’s why the #HeforShe movement – which calls on men to be activists and allies in addressing the disproportionate hurdles girls face – was a huge wake up call for activists around the world. It showed us that gender inequality is a burden on all of humanity, and men too have a key role to play in addressing this injustice.
In honor of #HeforShe and International Day of the Girl (October 11) we asked 6 guys – guys who work in the humanitarian and aid community – why they stand with women and girls for gender equality. Here’s what they said:
1. Kennedy Odede
Founder and CEO, Shining Hope for Communities
“Growing up in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, I witnessed the structural and daily violence that exists against girls and women. My own mother is a survivor. I got to a point where I could not sit back and watch my sisters in Kibera be victimized one day longer. I knew I had to do something.
As a man, I cannot speak for girls and women, but I can speak for justice, and as long as there is rampant violence and inequality of opportunity facing girls and women, there is no justice…