Equal rights will not be achieved, if only those advocate for them who are currently marginalised. This article discusses the role of men in the fight against male supremacy and for feminism. It gives concrete examples of how men can stand up for equality.

2025 began as a year dominated by patriarchal men in positions of power, aligned with antifeminist stances worldwide. Putin, though operating more subtly, continues to spread the anti-gender narrative, labelling LGBT movements as “extremist”. This framing is dangerous for LGBTIQA+ individuals both in Russia and globally. Trump and Musk may appear as a spectacle from the outside, but their racist, antifeminist, and anti-democratic plans threaten human rights, particularly those of marginalised groups. One example is the halt of USAID funding for reproductive health projects worldwide, which could lead to a rise in HIV cases in some countries. Trump’s influence has also led to the institutionalised non-existence of transgender persons in the United States.

This upholding of the alleged biological bisexuality is echoed by Germany’s Chancellor Merz of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU). Although the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) did not win the election, they gained issue ownership over topics like migration, creating fear of violence from “outsiders”. However, the fact that men in Germany kill more people, especially women, was not on the agenda. The dominant discourse was not about violent masculinity, but about gendered racism as an easy scapegoat.

The rise of male supremacism

These characters are part of a broader pattern of male supremacy, at which cisgender men unapologetically dominate power structures – feeling superior to women, trans, and non-binary people. They seek control over bodies and rights, with their misogynistic views often intersecting with racism, antisemitism, and anti-sex-work sentiments. It builds on sexism and, in an organised form, it manifests as an antifeminist or anti-gender movement. The desire for control among male supremacists often leads to violence, whether through militarism, gender-based violence, or political extremism – with connections to right-wing and religious extremism.

Not All Men

As male supremacy rises, it is crucial to recognise that not all men are male supremacists – and to encourage men to join the fight for gender equality. Programmes like HeForShe by UN Women aim to address men as allies. However, this approach is not always welcomed by feminists. This men-inclusive perspective could be instrumentalised by antifeminists – but this should not stop feminists from reaching out to allies. So, here is the hot take:

In an organised antifeminist or anti-gender context, male supremacy has the power to roll back democratic achievements such as the right to legal abortions. That is why pro-feminists need a critical mass to protect rights in the medium and long run, no matter which gender is involved. There are several approaches to rally men to become allies. One of them is #NotAllMen, which has been criticised by feminists for shifting attention from those directly impacted by patriarchal violence. However, it can also serve as a starting point for men to reflect on their behaviour. While this can be seen as an attempt to distance themselves from harmful stereotypes, it can also open doors for deeper engagement with feminist values. This tension between feminists and men is unproductive. A type of feminism that recognises that all genders suffer under patriarchy, albeit differently, can create a space for men to contribute meaningfully to gender equality.

How men can actively support feminism

• Reflection and accountability: For many, #NotAllMen can be a stance against overgeneralisation, prompting men to reflect on their own behaviour. It can be a way to empower men to integrate feminist values into their lives and use their agency in a more democratic, peaceful, and humanistic way.
• Using privilege: Privileged men, particularly cisgender men, can use their privilege to support feminist issues. For example, women and minorities are disproportionally more effected by hate speech. They can assist with content moderation on online platforms or support those targeted by hate speech. They can cooperate in standing up against patriarchal/antifeminist men, offering solidarity when witnessing public violence against women or LGBTIQA+ individuals.
• Acknowledgement: Men’s experiences of violence or gendered issues should be taken seriously. Gendered discussions should consider intersections with race, religion, and sexuality – emphasising the diversity of masculinities. It is important not to dismiss these efforts as “whataboutism”, but to understand that a feminist standpoint can take time to develop.
• Men as target groups: Addressing men and boys is key to bridging the gap between progressive feminist movements and more conservative groups. Some men feel alienated from a progressive feminist discourse. Providing moderated spaces for men, such as counselling or peer or mixed groups, can offer a more welcoming environment for reflection and learning.
• Prevention and education: Long-term solutions require early intervention, promoting education on sexualities and gender diversity to normalise respect for human rights across all genders. This strategy can help prevent the development of harmful ideologies in young men.

There are also further opportunities to sympathise with women and LGBTQIA+. Yet, embracing mistakes, different perspectives, and mutual learning can create a more positive climate for solidarity. Feminism thrives on transformation, which requires stepping out of comfort zones. In times of crisis, divisions between potential allies only waste resources. That is why we need more feminist men – whether they label themselves as such or not.