Deep Dive on Patriarchy: Towards Collective Liberation
We've just had International Women's Day and I'm sure your social feeds like mine were awash with a mix of focuses - from celebration, to activism, to disappointment, to blame and finally sadness about how far we've still got to go. If there's one thing that felt clear, it's that there's not much unity in how people are feeling about advancing issues of gender justice, and that highlights just how little clarity there is on what's actually needed to move forward for collective liberation.
I'm always struck by how much focus there is on gender equality but not enough on intersectional feminism and what women themselves can do to address inequity at play in their own communities as well as those that most need their support and activism around the world. There feels like there's taboo around internalised patriarchy which stops us having real conversations about how women themselves replicate systems of harm in relationships and leadership. There never feels like there's enough attention on white feminism and how its flavour of feminism presents women as victims of men's behaviour and centres on issues that matter to white women or on an idea of women's liberation informed by capitalism. It doesn't feel like there's enough stepping back and finding new and better ways of working across genders to help us all advance.
This month we wanted to focus more on how patriarchy harms us all and where true feminist thinking can guide us all do better.
SOMETHING TO JOIN
Masculinity, Power & Moving Beyond Patriarchy
Join us for our next Community Conversation with Letesia and Jindy Mann, leadership coach, organisational consultant, men’s work facilitator and founder of Leader Brother Son. We will explore how patriarchy and dominant ideas of masculinity—rooted in control, competition, and extraction—harm not just men, but women, marginalised communities and the planet. We’ll examine how patriarchy is upheld by all genders, and the collective shifts needed to create change.
How do these narratives shape our workplaces, leadership, and daily interactions? What would it take to redefine masculinity in a way that moves us away from domination, fostering connection and care for people and planet?
This conversation is for leaders, change-makers, facilitators, and anyone ready to challenge limiting systems and embrace new ways of relating.
Date: Thursday, 10th April 2025
Time: 12pm - 1:15pm GMT
Location: Zoom
SOMETHING TO WATCH
The Feminist in Cellblock Y
The documentary The Feminist in Cellblock Y offers an exploration of the transformative power of feminism in a space that is overshadowed by patriarchy - an all-male prison in Soledad, California. Through the eyes of a male inmate who embraces feminist ideas, inspired by the writings of scholar and activist Bell Hooks, this film sheds light on how challenging traditional gender norms and patriarchal systems can lead to healing, self-awareness and empowerment.
Beyond its compelling narrative, the documentary holds valuable lessons for today’s leaders and change-makers. By demonstrating that breaking free from oppressive structures isn’t just about dismantling the old, but also about creating space for new ways of thinking, being, and relating, it invites us to consider the role of organisations in creating environments in which these kinds of authentic connections and relationships can exist.
SOMETHING TO READ
Evolving Manhood
The recent report Evolving Manhood – by Core Research and Women’s Aid offers some powerful insights into the Irish context, showing how traditional patriarchal norms hinder personal and professional growth. The research reveals that rigid definitions of manhood not only perpetuate inequality but also limit men’s emotional expression and leadership potential. It highlights how, alongside systemic pressures, even well-intentioned behaviours—including those sometimes reinforced by women—can inadvertently uphold these harmful stereotypes.
By challenging outdated gender constructs, the report advocates for leadership that embraces empathy, vulnerability, and open communication. In the workplace, evolving manhood means creating environments where all team members feel empowered to share ideas, take risks, and support one another. It’s about moving from a culture of restriction to one of possibility.
SOMETHING TO DO
Patriarchy & White Supremacy
Do you want to know more about how white supremacy culture shows up in your life?
As you know, we're launching our new Beyond White Supremacy programme this May, and we're offering a couple of free intro sessions to explore what we mean by white supremacy culture and why interrogating it now matters. White supremacy culture deeply intersects with patriarchy and capitalist ideas of productivity and value so if we want to advance intersectional feminism, step into alternatives to patriarchal leadership and workplace culture and centre care, accountability and critical thinking, then this is a session for you!
You can find out more about the programme here - we'll be closing applications in early April, so if you're keen to get involved, let's talk soon! You can book a slot for an informal chat here or here.
When: Tuesday 11th March and Monday 24th March @ 12:30pm – 1:30pm GMT (choose a time that suits you best)
Where: On Zoom
What to expect: These are interactive sessions, so please come ready to participate. It will be a relaxed and conversational, with compassionate energy baked in.
Register for the 11th March session with Letesia here.
