Breaking Barriers Together: Why International Men’s Day Isn’t Just for Men

Equality is not an overarching women’s subject. It is a mindset, a state of being, an ideal in which we are all equal to one another regardless of social, economic, or cultural background. When we are equal, we no longer see factors such as gender or race; we simply see others as people who, like us, are manoeuvring life’s daily challenges.

As a result, when talking about equality, it’s easy to focus on women’s progress (as we should with all the changes we’ve made!). But it’s equally important that the topic doesn’t become a one-sided conversation in which women take priority over men. The point of equality is that we, as a society, should aim to reach a stage where we no longer compare the struggles between men and women. As if life were a competition to determine who faces more hardship or struggles.

As a woman myself, I’ve seen how the men around me face their own unspoken pressures: from fatherhood to providing for their families and maintaining their sense of identity as life moves forward and evolves.

Over the years, we’ve seen the persistence of the “boys don’t cry” mentality, where the feelings and emotions that men face are often dismissed or left unspoken. This can also be seen in the workplace, where many men still feel pressured to appear unshakable and dependable. They’re often seen as the problem-solvers, the ones who “have it all under control.” Yet behind that professionalism, many may be navigating stress, burnout, or personal struggles they don’t feel comfortable voicing. They (men) are told to “tough it out,” reinforcing the stigma that men shouldn’t show vulnerability.

At Belasko, where teamwork and well-being are central to who we are, recognises this matters. We welcome openness, inclusion, and respect, not just in how we work, but in how we support one another as people. Supporting men’s mental health and emotional well-being complements our broader goals around equality and belonging. It reminds us that everyone deserves a healthy work-life balance, regardless of gender. By creating space for these discussions, whether through empathy in everyday interactions or through company initiatives, we strengthen our collective resilience and unity as a team.

As we look toward International Men’s Day, we should remember that equality is a shared goal between all genders. True gender equality uplifts everyone, and when men feel comfortable showing vulnerability, we create safer, more balanced environments: both professionally and personally. And remember! When men champion equality, it uplifts women too, helping accelerate progress and acceptance for all.

The best way to achieve this is through unity. Just as in the workplace, most challenges are overcome when we collaborate, when men and women work with, not against, each other. International Men’s Day is an opportunity to listen, understand, and celebrate positive role models (both men and women) who strive for togetherness and inclusivity.

To conclude, International Men’s Day reminds us that equality isn’t about who’s louder in the ongoing conversation for acceptance and freedom. It’s about listening to one another, walking forward together, and supporting one another, no matter the person or the topic may be.

Article by Jess Savery.