International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate every woman, highlight their accomplishments, and spread awareness on gender inequality. This year, we decided to subvert the narrative, flip the switch, and speak to three Middle Eastern men on their strive for gender equality and how they’re standing in solidarity with women.
So for International Women’s Day, we asked popular TikToker Nasser Al-Rayess and Egyptian actors Amir El-Masry and Sedky Sakhr to answer a couple of questions on how they’re making the world a better and safer place for women around the globe.
What is the best way a man can be an ally for women’s rights?
Nasser said the best way men can be allies for women’s rights is by stopping themselves from taking control of every situation and trying to fix everything.
“The most important thing we need to do is sit back and listen to the women around us,” shared Nasser. Amir further echoed the importance of being an active listener and “empathizing with women rather than trying to mansplain or be the saviour in a situation,”
What is the biggest issue you’ve noticed women around you face?
Nasser mentioned the constant microaggressions or traditional stereotypes that are faced by women at home and the workplace, “The stereotypes really come into play in small and nuanced ways. It’s from the expectations and pressures of how women are supposed to dress and carry themselves.”
Sedky shared how the biggest issue does not just involve a single issue but everything including professional discrimination, harassment, domestic violence, laws that treat women differently, social injustices, and many more.
What are a few ways in which you support and contribute to gender equality?
Nasser contributes to the gender equality movement by “showing as much praise and support to all the women in my life, especially on social media.”
Amir shared how he continues to actively listen, help his female counterparts when they’re uncomfortable, and support female-led projects, especially within the acting and film industry, where gender inequality continues to be an issue.
Who in your life has shaped the way you view feminism?
Sedky highlighted how the equal presence of both his parents in his life has helped shaped the way he views feminism.
Sedky further added, “I had many friends who were feminists and they really did open my eyes to many things. I am very grateful to them. I learned a lot from them and I’m still learning up to this moment.”
Use the hashtag #BreakTheBias for share your experience for International Women’s Day.