A safe space for men to speak

Why did the feminist part of her feel challenged by my statement?

In this short snippet, Maree McPherson and I discuss my new book, 'When men lead women: Navigating the facts, fears and frustrations of gender equality as a male leader.'

This was an interview done as part of Maree's podcast series - Interview with an Author. In it, we had a robust and practical conversation about men's response to the rise of women in power.

At one point the discussion took a turn and Maree had to take a deep breath.

I had suggested we need to make more space for men. That's right. More space for men.

And, given the number of men occupying leadership roles in this country, you can see why Maree might have taken a pause.

The discussion covered why I believe this is necessary, even though men seem to occupy a lot of space already.

Enjoy the snippet! (Click the picture below)

To watch the full interview, go to https://www.mareemcpherson.com.au/shop/annelli-blundell

Simply make a $10 donation to Sisterworks and the whole interview is yours to watch... (Along with all the 'good feels', knowing that you have also helped to raise funds to support women who are refugees, asylum seekers or migrants to improve their confidence, mental wellbeing and sense of belonging.)

Oh and you can grab your own copy of my new book here:

This is a pocketbook about the unspoken responses of men, to the rise of women at work. Men are grappling with their place in the fight for gender equality. They have questions, concerns, fears, and curiosities, about their presence and purpose in this issue, and are not always sure how to enter into discussions with sensitivity and support. Not all of their thoughts feel safe to explore in general discussion, without seeming sexist, ignorant or unsupportive.

This book is an attempt to surface the conversations that feel taboo, that may be unpopular, and perhaps a little too controversial to say out loud. It's an opportunity for men (and women) to engage in real dialogue and get answers to the questions they're hesitant to ask. Without a safe space to explore and understand the role men play in striving for equality, society as a whole will remain stuck in the status quo.

The ideas in this book provide the pathway forward for a new dialogue between men and women: A dialogue where blame and fear are replaced with clarity and courage, and men feel not only encouraged to get involved, but crucial to the cause.