The phrase “your body, my choice” has recently emerged in public discourse, becoming a disturbing symptom of something far more insidious: the metastasizing of misogyny in our culture.
As someone who has dedicated my career to empowering women and fostering authentic leadership, I cannot overlook the way this rhetoric is seeping into everyday life, threatening not just women but the foundational values of equality, and respect.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity. And ignoring it isn’t just negligence—it’s complicity. But here’s the good news: we all have the power to push back, whether we’re directly impacted or standing as allies. Women supporting women, male allies stepping up, and leaders taking action can create meaningful, lasting change.
Here are ten ways women can support each other right now and ten ways male allies can step in to fight back against misogyny.
These are not abstract ideas—they are actionable steps we can all take, starting today.
10 Things Women Can Do to Support Each Other Right Now
- Amplify Each Other’s Voices I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been in meetings where my (or a fellow female’s) ideas were brushed aside or ignored—only to hear them embraced moments later when repeated by a male colleague. This isn’t a one-time phenomenon; it’s a pattern many women face. Women’s ideas are too often overlooked or dismissed, but we have the power to change that. When another woman shares an idea, amplify it. Repeat it, give her credit, and make sure her contribution is recognized. Let’s create a culture where women’s voices aren’t just heard—they’re valued.
- Mentor and Sponsor I’ve been fortunate to have women mentors who believed in me and opened doors I couldn’t have accessed alone. Now, I pay it forward by mentoring and sponsoring other women. We rise higher collectively when we raise each other up.
- Celebrate Achievements Publicly Too often, women’s accomplishments are downplayed or overlooked. Take time to celebrate the women in your life—whether it’s a LinkedIn shoutout, a personal note, or just saying, “I see what you’re doing, and it’s amazing.”
- Call Out Misogyny I’ll admit, this one isn’t easy. Calling out misogynistic comments or behavior, especially in professional settings, takes courage. But silence only enables harm. If you can’t address it in the moment, follow up privately to offer support or address the behavior.
- Support Women-Owned Businesses Economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to lift women. Seek out women-owned businesses for your needs and recommend them to others.
- Create Safe Spaces Women carry so much—professionally, emotionally, and personally. Let’s create environments where women feel safe to share their challenges and ask for help without judgment.
- Offer Emotional Support A simple “How are you, really?” can be incredibly powerful. Checking in on the women around us reminds them they’re not alone.
- Stand in Solidarity Show up—whether it’s for a rally, a difficult conversation, or a cause that matters to another woman. Your presence sends a powerful message of support.
- Share Resources Share what you know. Whether it’s a book that helped you, a podcast that inspired you, or an event that changed your perspective, passing on knowledge helps us all grow stronger.
- Push Back on Stereotypes Challenge limiting narratives about women. When someone comments that a woman is “too ambitious” or “too emotional,” ask them to reconsider what they’re really saying.
10 Things Male Allies Can Do to Push Back Against Misogyny
- Educate Yourself Misogyny is often subtle, and well-meaning men can perpetuate it without realizing. Take time to learn about the systemic challenges women face. It’s not about guilt—it’s about awareness.
- Interrupt Misogyny If you see or hear something that’s not okay, say so. A simple “That’s not cool” can stop harmful rhetoric in its tracks.
- Be Mindful of Speaking Space It’s not just about meetings—it’s about everyday conversations. Women are interrupted, talked over, or sidelined far too often, making it harder for their perspectives to be fully heard. Next time you’re in a conversation, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself: Has she had a chance to finish? Has her point been fully acknowledged? Being mindful of speaking space isn’t just courteous—it’s transformative. Your awareness can open the door for women to speak up confidently, knowing their voices matter.
- Champion Women Publicly Use your platform to advocate for the women in your life. Recommend them for leadership roles, celebrate their accomplishments, and stand with them when it matters most.
- Model Respectful Behavior Actions speak louder than words. Treat women with respect and professionalism, and others will follow your lead.
- Mentor Women Some of the most transformative moments in my career came from male mentors who genuinely supported me. Be the person who helps women navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
- Call Out the “Good Guys” I’ve seen well-meaning men excuse harmful behavior from their peers because “he’s a good guy.” Being a good guy doesn’t make someone immune to accountability. Hold your peers to a higher standard.
- Hold Institutions Accountable Push for policies like equal pay, parental leave, and harassment prevention. Real change happens when institutions evolve.
- Vote with Your Wallet Support companies that prioritize gender equality and avoid those that don’t. Your dollars send a message.
- Listen and Believe When women share their experiences, listen without defensiveness. Believe them, ask how you can help, and follow through.
Why This Matters
The metastasizing of misogyny isn’t just an abstract cultural shift—it has real consequences. The normalization of dismissive attitudes toward women has already led to policy changes that undermine women’s rights, increased instances of harassment and violence, and workplaces where women feel undervalued and unsafe.
Misogyny thrives on women staying silent and men staying ignorant to it’s pervasive damaging impacts. As leaders, allies, and women, we have to never stop pushing back.
