On November 19 International Men’s Day celebrates, worldwide, the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities. The purpose is to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for 2022 is “Helping Men and Boys”.
International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character, and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example, that we will create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.
Reflecting on exceptional male role models in the legal industry, there are many names that come to mind. A particularly noteworthy example from 2022 is WA Chief Justice, Peter Quinlan, speaking at the Women in Mining WA Summit about the Enough is Enough report into sexual harassment in the fly-in-fly-out mining sector. The Hon Peter Quinlan gave an impactful opening address, saying:
"A workplace that is free from sexual harassment should be the bare minimum, not the end goal… a positive, safe and enriching workplace is not the same thing as a workplace that is simply free from sexual harassment," he said.
International Men’s Day is a time to celebrate our exceptional male role models. To get involved, you can:
- Organise a community event
- Show appreciation
- Raise awareness to the challenges that men face in life – including supporting Movember!
- Celebrate the men in your life at an individual or family level
Resources, posters, logos, and more information can be found at: https://internationalmensday.com/
Recognition towards the materials used to prepare this summary article: https://internationalmensday.com/
https://www.miningnews.net/events-coverage/news/1440223/exposing-and-removing-sexual-misconduct-offenders-not-enough-top-judge
Article by: Jeanette Rose, Committee Member, ACC Australia Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Special Interest Group
ACC Australia is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive in-house profession and has created the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Special Interest Group. If you are interested in participating in the special interest group or contributing ideas, please contact programdevelopment@accglobal.com.