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Contribution short abstract

This study examines male allyship in Bangladeshi universities, revealing how collaborative action, mentorship, and policy reforms enable men to support women’s leadership and build inclusive, connected, and equitable academic cultures.

Contribution long abstract

Achieving inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education requires intentional collaboration across roles, disciplines, and institutions. Gender disparities in leadership remain a significant challenge worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. These inequalities are shaped by structural, cultural, and political factors that limit women’s access to leadership and decision-making. While men’s role in promoting gender equity is increasingly recognised, the concept of male allyship—men actively supporting women’s leadership—remains underexplored locally.

This paper draws on an online focus group titled The Role of Male Allyship in Empowering Women for Leadership in Higher Education, held on 18 November 2025 via Microsoft Teams. Participants, including male and female academics committed to inclusive cultures, discussed male allyship across three areas: conceptual understanding, practical strategies, and barriers to effective practice. Findings demonstrate that male allyship involves a conscious, collaborative, and intentional commitment to promoting gender equity, challenging structural and cultural barriers, and recognising women as equal professionals. Strategies included nominating women for leadership roles, sharing research and professional spaces, advocating gender-responsive policies, and providing mentorship and sponsorship. Barriers included patriarchal norms, identity threats, male-dominated networks, policy gaps, and fear of backlash.

The study highlights institutional strategies to support allyship, such as gender-sensitivity training, transparent reporting, gender-responsive budgeting, formal mentorship, and robust safety mechanisms. By presenting male allyship as a collaborative, multi-layered practice, the paper shows how shared commitment and systemic reform can create more inclusive, connected, and impactful academic communities.