On Tuesday, 4 August, TalkPoint was privileged to host Dr. Michael Kimmel, Distinguished SUNY Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies. He joined us here in Sydney to talk to corporate leaders about how to engage men in efforts to improve gender equality in our workplaces.
Our lunch event was beautifully captured by talented Photographer Anna Turner, a full gallery of images can be viewed here: Michael Kimmel Gallery
When saying goodbye to Michael at the end of our day together, I asked him what was present for him now that wasn’t before, to which he replied: “Before, the Sydney business community was conceptual, but after engaging 250 people over our 3 events, it’s now relational.” He’s highly motivated to support us to accelerate gender equality (and the rise of male feminists) locally, and I’m so pleased to let you know Michael has set a very clear intention to return next year.
Michael clearly played a huge role in reigniting our conversations and thinking. He also attracted some media attention while he was here:
- 24 July 2015, Women’s Agenda re-posted an opinion piece written by Michael Kimmel originally in the Huffington Post. Wimbledon, the (Women’s) World Cup, and gender equality
- 30 July 2015, The Australian Financial Review, Fiona Smith wrote: Michael Kimmel tells how to stop the angry white men wreaking havoc in your workplace.
- 31 July 2015, Business Spectator, Victoria Thieberger of Business Spectator reported: Tackling Australia’s biggest workplace failure
- 31 July 2015, Women’s Agenda again offered an opinion piece written by Michael Kimmel (originally posted on the Huffington Post): He’s dysfunctional and dissatisfied so why do men want to be Don Draper?
- 4 August 2015, after the CEO breakfast event, Women’s Agenda’s Editor, Angela Priestley, emailed this special feature to newsletter subscribers: Gender is about MEN too. How to engage men in gender equality discussions
Particularly useful evidence and cited by Angela Priestley, Michael outlined research by sociologists Scott Coltrane and Michele Adams that found men who share the housework and childcare with their partners experience a huge range of benefits.
While you’re online, you might also like to track back through the many messages imparted by Michael captured on our Twitter stream. We also invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook where we will share further updates about Michael’s teachings and all of our future learning events.
Please contact us if you would like to find out how we can collaborate on your own gender equality agenda, especially in anticipation of Michael’s next visit, which will be structured as a slow trip to help us dive much deeper and within the context of individual workplaces.
Let’s keep this flaming conversation burning bright!
Looking forwards with great appreciation and optimism,
Robyn
