A Celebration of Equality
Brace yourselves for a revelation that might rattle the internet’s foundations: I, a feminist, am celebrating International Men’s Day. Yes, you read that right. No, this isn’t a glitch in the matrix. Just a year ago, the idea of recognizing this day would’ve elicited an eye-roll so seismic it might’ve registered on the Richter scale. Celebrating men in a world riddled with gender inequality once felt as absurd as a fish demanding scuba gear.
Yet here I am, not only acknowledging this day but defending its relevance. What changed? Have I turned my back on feminism? Not in the slightest. In fact, my decision stems from a deeper understanding of feminism itself—and the recognition that patriarchy harms men too.
The Patriarchy: An Equal-Opportunity Oppressor
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Feminists are often caricatured as man-haters, perpetually raging against anything with a Y chromosome. Spoiler alert: we don’t hate men. What we despise is patriarchy—a system so toxic it poisons the lives of all genders.
Yes, patriarchy historically benefits men by granting them disproportionate power and privilege. But here’s the irony: the same system that elevates men also suffocates them under rigid expectations and suffocating stereotypes.
Consider this: in the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This statistic isn’t just tragic—it’s a stark reminder of how harmful traditional masculinity can be. While women battle sexism in boardrooms and on the streets, men endure a silent mental health crisis, exacerbated by a culture that equates vulnerability with weakness. Patriarchy forces women into boxes labeled “fragile” and men into ones labeled “unfeeling.” Both are prisons.
Celebrating men doesn’t mean ignoring women’s struggles. It means recognizing that dismantling patriarchy benefits everyone.
When Stereotypes Strike Back
If feminism has achieved one resounding victory, it’s the destruction of gender stereotypes for women. Society no longer limits women to kitchens or nurseries (though there’s still work to do). But for men? The progress has been glacial.
Society frequently defines men by what they shouldn’t be—aggressive, entitled, unemotional. While these critiques are valid in their contexts, they don’t tell the whole story. What about the men who are kind, nurturing, and empathetic? They exist, yet society clings to outdated notions of masculinity.
Think of the man who cries openly. For decades, that was a cultural faux pas. A man choosing fatherhood over career? Still rare enough to warrant puzzled stares. And a man admitting he doesn’t have all the answers? Cue collective gasps.
Meanwhile, women have fought for—and gained—the right to embrace ambition, vulnerability, and independence without judgment (or with less judgment). Isn’t it time men had the same freedom?
Why Do Men Need a Day?
“Isn’t every day International Men’s Day?” skeptics might ask. Sure, if measured by boardroom seats or political power, men seem to be thriving. But privilege isn’t the same as well-being, and power doesn’t shield men from the toxic pressures of traditional masculinity.
Men are expected to be tough—but not too tough. Successful—but never uncertain. Providers—but never vulnerable. These impossible expectations create a lose-lose scenario, leaving men trapped in a cycle of silence and shame. International Men’s Day offers a rare opportunity to spotlight these challenges and start dismantling harmful stereotypes.
Celebrating Men Who Get It Right
Feminism has always been about choice. Women fought for the right to be ambitious without being labeled “cold,” nurturing without being seen as “weak,” and assertive without being called “bossy.” It’s only fair that men should enjoy the same freedom.
So today, I’m celebrating men who reject outdated masculinity. Men who treat women as equals, not competitors. Men who listen, uplift, and empathize. Men who are brave enough to cry, ask for help, and defy societal norms.
I’m also raising a metaphorical glass to the boys growing up in a world where emotional expression isn’t ridiculed. These boys are learning that crying isn’t weakness, kindness isn’t feminine, and ambition isn’t exclusively male.
And let’s not forget the feminist men—the allies who challenge toxic masculinity and unlearn patriarchal conditioning. They remind us that gender equality is a collective goal, not a battle of the sexes.
Redefining Masculinity
Here’s a radical thought: the world doesn’t need more “alpha males” mistaking dominance for strength. It needs men who are emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and unafraid to embrace their humanity.
This shift benefits everyone. Research shows that men who reject traditional masculinity are happier, healthier, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. They form deeper relationships, experience less stress, and enjoy greater well-being.
If we’re serious about dismantling patriarchy, we must also redefine masculinity. We need a culture where men are free to live authentically, unburdened by outdated norms.
Why Feminists Should Care
At this point, some might accuse me of straying from feminism. Far from it. Feminism isn’t just about elevating women—it’s about creating a better world for everyone. A world where women aren’t objectified, men aren’t dehumanized, and all genders are free to thrive.
If we truly want gender equality, we can’t ignore how sexism harms men. Feminism challenges systems of oppression, and those systems hurt everyone, albeit in different ways.
Breaking the Mold
So here I am, a feminist, celebrating International Men’s Day. Is it a departure from my usual stance? Perhaps. Does it mean I’ve abandoned the fight for women’s rights? Absolutely not.
This moment reinforces why feminism matters. The ultimate goal isn’t just to elevate women—it’s to dismantle a system that stifles everyone. To the men redefining masculinity and challenging stereotypes: thank you. Keep going. The world needs more of you.
And to anyone clutching their pearls at the idea of a feminist praising men—relax. Hell hasn’t frozen over. It’s just warming up for the first time in centuries.
