HeForShe, the UN Women’s solidarity movement, recently held its Summit in New York. International political and business leaders descended upon the UN, all demanding that men and boys do their part in advancing gender equality. After a recent UN Women report found that it would take close to 300 years to reach full gender parity, attendees asked for bigger and quicker changes. 

Among the attendees were Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, and more. Each committed their countries to further gender equity and were inducted into the HeForShe Alliance. Also in attendance were actress/singer Sofia Carson and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. 

“I would like to live in a world where there are no differences between people,” Zelenska commented. “I would like to live in a world where the HeForShe initiative is not necessary.”

The Summit included several discussions about independent issues within the movement, including the compounding effects of gender inequalities throughout recent years and the economic barriers for women. The latter of these discussions emphasized the role of sponsorship, and not just mentorship, throughout a women’s academic and professional life. 

Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of UN Women, made her stance clear. “With the engaged allyship of men and boys, we are powerfully united in addressing inequality. I see this strength in all the leaders at the HeForShe Summit, who are acting as inspiring agents of change in their fields.”

The demands of the Summit are certainly revolutionary. Attendees ask us to turn the lens, looking towards men and boys to embolden their push for gender equity. It takes all of us to create greater political, economic, and social change. The HeForShe Summit proves that, asking everyone to join the charge.