Inside Edelman is an ongoing series that spotlights our colleagues who are doing extraordinary work across our network. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreaktheBias and throughout the month of March, we’ll be highlighting strong voices from across the network who are championing women in the workforce, re-defining what “success” means and committing to a more gender equal world.
What responsibility do men in the workforce have to help #BreaktheBias?
On the basis that we constitute half the biological gender mix, you could say we should take half the responsibility. On the basis that we occupy around 80% of board positions, maybe we should take 80% of the responsibility.
Big picture, gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue so we all bear the responsibility. But we men have the privilege of holding the majority of the positions from which real change can be achieved, so I do think we need to do more.
Stepping back though, I wonder if we should shift the narrative away from “responsibility” which risks feeling divisive or punitive. Maybe we will engage more people, especially men, if we refocus the dialogue on our collective opportunity. Achieving gender equality in the workplace could make all our lives better—it could help improve work life balance, increase career choice and flexibility, help us all prioritise loved ones. In striving for equality, we have an opportunity to build a healthier, happier and fairer model for how we work—that’s what we should be talking about. Fear and guilt can be great motivators when a simple solution is available, but complex problems require inspiration and hope to motivate change.
You were recently recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong as Hong Kong’s Champion for the Advancement of Women. What does that honor mean to you?
It was a fantastically flattering, extremely proud and yet deeply uncomfortable moment. I’m in my early forties (oh stop it, you’re too kind!) and I only got involved in advocating for equality in the last few years. I’ve spent over three decades of my life in blissful apathy, failing to recognise the advantages that my gender and race afford me. I’ve spent considerably more time being part of the problem than I have trying to address it. So, with that context, when you are surrounded by a group of incredible women who are winning awards for such impressive achievements, you can’t help but feel a hefty and humbling dose of imposter syndrome. Which is very appropriate really.
But let me explain why I was there as the credit for the award isn’t mine. A few years ago, The Women’s Foundation (TWF), the leading gender equality NGO in Hong Kong and probably Asia, brought some men together to see if we could create a male movement for gender equality. I was lucky enough to be one of those founding members. After much work, mainly on TWF’s part, we created Male Allies, an initiative aimed at getting men in positions of authority to use their influence to drive change. Our aim was to get senior men to listen, learn and then hopefully act. We aren’t ‘coming to the rescue’, we aren’t saying we can fix everything, we aren’t claiming to be experts, but we are recognising that we can learn to be a part of making things fairer, that we can improve ourselves, our friends and our businesses.
Male Allies is now in its fifth year. We have an astounding membership and we have succeeded not just in engaging many men but also in supporting some real policy and culture change within their respective businesses. But it’s the tip of the iceberg and we have to constantly fight to recruit and engage more men. I hope that the award helps in that mission. Recognition for groups that are trying to do better should be a solid motivator in the business world.
You’ve been selected as a judge for Campaign’s Women Leading Change Awards for Asia-Pacific 2022. What are you looking to take away from this experience?
I’m looking to learn. I have followed the shortlist and winners for a few years and every year there are new ideas, approaches and stories that feed the imagination, nourish the mind and warm the heart.
As far as equality goes, I am an advocate but not an expert—I live in constant fear of the Dunning-Kruger effect so I see this as an opportunity to absorb new ideas and meet people from whom I can learn. Being part of a collaborative community that shares this goal is enriching.
Plus, I’m looking forward to my next dose of imposter syndrome.
What advice do you have for men in helping them advocate for women in the workforce?
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Be curious: read up, ask around and think about the opportunity both intellectually and positively. This is about behaviour change, policy change, education, pop culture, work and politics. It’s about you, your partner, your colleagues, your friends. This is a fantastic opportunity to which we can all contribute. Don’t let punitive language, depressing stats or antagonistic voices put you off, this is a rewarding issue to get behind, IF you dig beyond the headlines and take a real interest
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Don’t let “the perfect” be the enemy of “the good”: getting involved can feel disingenuous, most of us men have made locker room jokes or displayed less than perfect behaviours. Don’t let a fear of hypocrisy stop you from getting started, it’s a journey
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Listen, learn, act (with a ratio of 55%, 35%, 10%): the most important thing is to want to understand the challenges and opportunities. Beware “white knight syndrome”, we may have the power to effect change but it doesn’t mean we know how to. For me it’s mostly been about asking questions and getting advice. To that end, seek out an NGO, an ERG or your HR colleagues and let them guide you.
Adrian Warr is Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Southeast Asia.
