The Young Allies Programme aims to foster a cohort of young men who champion gender equality. The United Nations has emphasised that "the engagement of men and boys in achieving gender equality is critical," and TWF has recognised this focus through our Male Allies Initiative launched in 2018. However, just as participation from senior male leaders is essential to achieving gender equality, so is the involvement of their more junior counterparts. Our research (here and here) suggests that young men hold concerning attitudes towards gender equality:

• Over 75% of young men hold conservative views on gender equality and negative perceptions of changing gender relations

• 43% believe gender equality is a women’s issue and men need to stay out of the way

• 30% believe gender equality puts men at a disadvantage

• 45% believe families may suffer with women less able to care for them

The networks and influence that young men will acquire over the course of their careers means their participation is essential to achieving gender equality.

We plan to engage this group in supporting women and people of all genders in ending gender-based violence and discrimination by providing gender awareness workshops and mentoring through a gender sensitive lens. By increasing young men's awareness of the impact of gender stereotypes and inequality in all aspects of their lives and exposing them to opportunities to cultivate gender equal mindsets and behaviours, the ultimate goal is to enable young men to become future leaders and champions of gender equality for all.

Programme Objectives

• Engage young men in learning about the adverse impact of gender-based stereotypes, cultivate their critical thinking skills and equip them with the tools to take action to address these issues with the guidance and support of male mentors who champion gender equality.

• Expose young men to opportunities that increase gender awareness and leadership skills, and dispel gender-based stereotypes in society as well as career and family aspirations.

• Build up a group of young male allies who become long-term advocates to embrace and support gender equality through their words and actions and ultimately become future leaders and champions of gender equality in their families, community and workplaces to drive social change.

Programme Participants

Primary Beneficiaries

Male university students who:

• study in years 2-4

• wish to understand gender equality and gender-based stereotypes in their lives

• aspire to be future male allies and leaders who advocate for gender equality

Secondary Beneficiaries

Business leaders who have participated in TWF's Male Allies Initiative and who:

• leverage their influence to advance gender equality within their organisations and across the Hong Kong business community

• embrace the need for gender equality, improve their workplace as well as their own work and personal lives

• will develop and utilise skills to empower young men in exploring and deepening their understanding of gender equality