In the fight for gender equality, women have long been at the forefront, advocating for rights and dismantling systemic barriers. Yet, according to Humberto Carolo, CEO of White Ribbon Canada, achieving true gender equity is impossible without actively engaging men and boys in the conversation.

Carolo, a globally recognized expert in gender-based violence prevention, said in an interview with The Korea Herald that changing harmful social norms and redefining masculinity are critical steps in eradicating violence against women and building a more inclusive society.

"For too long, gender-based violence has been framed as a women’s issue," he explained. "But men must be part of the solution because they are part of the problem."

Carolo addressed the lingering misconception that gender equality has already been achieved. "Some men say, ‘We are equal now. Women have access to education and job opportunities,’ but the reality is different. Women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, earn less for the same work, and bear the disproportionate burden of caregiving."

More concerning, Carolo warned of the growing influence of misogynistic ideologies online, where young boys are being radicalized into harmful beliefs about gender roles. "We see boys as young as 11 engaging in extreme views against women, and the earlier these attitudes are formed, the harder they are to dismantle," he said.

Encouraging men to engage in gender equality efforts isn’t just about supporting women — it benefits men as well.

"Rigid gender norms have hurt men, too," Carolo noted. "Many grow up believing they must suppress emotions, avoid showing vulnerability and assert dominance. This leads to unhealthy relationships, increased mental health struggles and a higher likelihood of resorting to anger and violence."

Carolo explained that when men embrace gender equality, they find more freedom — from the expectation that they must always be strong, from the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity, and from the toxic cycles that lead to violence and emotional isolation.

"When we dismantle these harmful norms, we create a world where men can be better fathers, partners and colleagues."

Carolo identified deeply embedded social norms as the root cause of gender-based violence. "From childhood, boys are taught that aggression is an acceptable way to assert power, while girls are socialized to be accommodating and nurturing," he explained. "These norms create an imbalance that manifests in both subtle and overt forms of discrimination."

For sustainable change, Carolo stressed the need for systemic efforts beyond individual actions. "Schools, governments and workplaces must integrate gender equality education into curricula, policies and community initiatives," he said.

White Ribbon also focuses on fostering positive male role models in society. "Boys need to see men advocating for equality, speaking out against violence and demonstrating healthy masculinity," Carolo said. "When we have athletes, business leaders and influencers promoting gender equity, we normalize these values for the next generation."

Carolo believes that mandating gender equality education in schools is a crucial step. "If we want to change society, we need to start with young people," he said. He argues that gender equality education is as essential as any academic subject.

"We must teach boys that consent, respect and equity are as fundamental as math and science. Preparing children for the future means giving them the tools to be respectful colleagues, compassionate partners and fair leaders."

Carolo’s journey into gender equality advocacy was shaped by personal experiences that revealed the harsh realities of violence and inequity. Growing up, he witnessed the impact of domestic violence firsthand, watching the women in his family endure suffering in their homes and community. These experiences left a deep mark on him, but instead of following the patterns he had seen, Carolo found purpose in breaking the cycle.

"As a boy and young man, I grew up witnessing inequity and violence, watching the women I love experience that violence," Carolo shared during his speech at an International Women’s Day event hosted in Seoul on March 12 by the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in the Republic of Korea. "When I later became an adoptive father to three young men who had lost their family to violence and poverty, I knew I had to do more. I wanted them to grow up in a world where peace and equality were the norm, not the exception."

Motivated by this mission, Carolo joined White Ribbon, an organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence by engaging men and boys in the conversation. Now, as CEO of the organization, he works to dismantle harmful gender norms and promote healthier forms of masculinity.

Carolo’s ultimate vision is a world where conversations about gender equality no longer focus on violence but instead celebrate progress. "Imagine a world where men and women share responsibilities equally, where violence is no longer a part of relationships, and where boys grow up learning that strength is not about dominance but about empathy and respect."

His message is clear: engaging men and boys is not an optional strategy; it is a fundamental necessity. "We cannot wait 135 years for gender equality," he said, referring to the estimated time for the gender gap to close globally on the current trajectory. "It is within our power to accelerate this progress by ensuring that men and boys are not only involved in the conversation but actively leading the charge for change."

As societies grapple with persistent gender inequalities and rising online extremism, Carolo’s call to action is more urgent than ever. "Only when men recognize their role in dismantling systemic injustices can we hope to build a future where gender-based violence no longer exists and equality is truly realized."