AHANE native and founder of the National Centre for Men’s Health at the South East Technological University (SETU), Noel Richardson joined President Higgins at the Áras last week at an event calling for men to engage in gender equality issues nationally and globally.
As a global ambassador for the UN’s ‘HeforShe’ campaign, President Higgins stressed how important he felt it was to use his office to convey a simple but vital message: that men must stand in solidarity with women if women’s rights are to be fully achieved.
Dr Richardson is well known as a pioneer in the area of men’s health at a research, policy and advocacy level, and is also respected for his achievements in the area of athletics as a coach and former international athlete.
“It’s clear there are major issues that need addressing but change is afoot and I think the President’s rally cry is part of this movement” said Dr Richardson.
“I think the vast majority of men are in favour of a more equal and inclusive society for all. However, men now need to step up to the plate and demonstrate more tangible commitments towards accelerating gender equality. Men need to be part of the conversation from the outset and to actively engage in solutions to address gender-based inequalities and challenges in society.
“An important part of this is continuing to reconfigure masculinity practices that enable men to assume a more prominent role in caring and household responsibilities, including the care of their own health. I think the moment is arriving where we now finally understand what needs to happen and how, it’s just a question of leadership and determination to work towards a more equal and fairer society for all,” he concluded.
