Why Men Must Champion Women Now More Than Ever

Yesterday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, labeling them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”

The executive order states:
"The previous administration has embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal and radical practices within every agency and office of the Federal Government. The injection of 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI) into our institutions has corrupted them by replacing hard work, merit and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy."

The order, along with statements from the Trump administration, signals an intensifying scrutiny on DEI policies in the private sector. A White House official hinted that “more actions” targeting corporate DEI initiatives are imminent, particularly for companies with federal contracts.

As businesses confront this shifting landscape, the role of male champions in advancing gender equity becomes increasingly critical, particularly in male-dominated industries like aviation and aerospace.  Policies may change, but the need for inclusion, respect, and equity is constant. Championship is no longer optional—it’s critical for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

January 2025 has been a month of significant DEI rollbacks across corporate America:

• Jan. 10: Amazon announced it would discontinue “outdated programs and materials,” including employee-led resource groups for underrepresented staff.

• Jan. 10: Meta ended equity-focused hiring initiatives, citing changes in the U.S. legal landscape.

• Jan. 6: McDonald’s abandoned diversity targets and renamed its DEI team the “Global Inclusion Team.”

• Earlier: Companies like Boeing and Walmart dismantled DEI departments, citing external pressures and legal risks.

Adding to the momentum, the Trump administration has placed DEI rollbacks at the center of its agenda. During his inaugural speech, President Trump vowed to “forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based” and combat efforts to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”

The Power of Male Champions

As private-sector DEI programs face increasing political and legal pressures, male champions in leadership positions hold the power to sustain progress and ensure workplaces remain inclusive and innovative. Their advocacy is essential for addressing the challenges that women and minorities face, particularly in male-dominated fields like aviation and aerospace.

Men hold the majority of leadership positions in aviation and aerospace, which gives them significant influence to advocate for change. Here’s why their support is crucial:

1. Breaking the Cycle of Bias
   Male champions can challenge unconscious biases and actively support women’s contributions.
   Example: A male manager ensures equal speaking time during meetings and calls out interruptions, creating space for women to share their insights.

2. Amplifying Women’s Voices
   Men can use their positions of power to highlight women’s achievements and ideas.
   Example: A senior executive nominates a deserving female colleague for a high-profile project or leadership program.

3. Driving Systemic Change
   When men advocate for equitable policies, they normalize inclusivity and set the tone for others to follow.
   Example: A male champion advocates for family leave policies that benefit all employees, not just women.

How Men Can Be Effective Champions

1. Educate Themselves
   Learn about the challenges women face in the workplace, from pay gaps to lack of representation in leadership.
   Seek out resources, training, and conversations to deepen understanding.

2. Speak Up
   Use your voice to call out inequities, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for fair practices.
   Address inappropriate comments or behaviors in real time to foster a respectful environment.

3. Sponsor Women
   Go beyond mentorship by actively advocating for women’s advancement.
   Recommend women for leadership roles, stretch assignments, and career development opportunities.

4. Listen and Learn
   Create space for women to share their experiences without judgment.
   Take feedback seriously and adapt behaviors to better support inclusion.

The Impact of Male Championship

Male championship goes beyond individual acts of support—it creates ripple effects that transform organizations and industries. Here are some of the profound impacts of male championship:

• Higher Employee Engagement
  Inclusive workplaces foster trust and respect, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
  Example: Teams with visible male champions often report higher morale, reduced turnover, and increased collaboration.

• Improved Innovation
  Diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
  Example: A male engineering director who champions women ensures their insights are integrated into the design process, leading to user-centric innovations.

• Enhanced Leadership Pipeline
  Advocating for women’s advancement strengthens the pipeline of future leaders.
  Example: Male executives who sponsor high-potential women provide them with opportunities to take on stretch roles and gain visibility.

• Cultural Transformation
  Male championship sets a precedent for inclusive behavior, encouraging systemic change.
  Example: A male CEO who models inclusive leadership inspires middle management to adopt equitable practices.

Final Thoughts

Leadership is about action, and championship is one of the most impactful ways men can lead. By championing women, men not only help create fairer workplaces but also strengthen their teams and organizations.

Looking Ahead

This month’s Elevate Executive Exchange on January 23 will focus on misunderstandings and disinformation surrounding DEI. We’ll explore myths like the claim that DEI undermines meritocracy and address the realities of how these initiatives drive innovation and equity. Join us to learn actionable strategies for navigating these challenges and fostering inclusive workplaces. Register Here.

The Elevate Initiative

The Elevate Initiative is a comprehensive effort designed to address the challenges women face in aviation and aerospace while fostering inclusion and equity across the industry. The initiative consists of two key components:

• NAVIGATE™ Your Ascent: Empowering women with tools, strategies, and a supportive community to advance their careers in male-dominated fields.

• ELEVATE™: Leadership and Engagement for Empowerment: Engaging organizations and leaders—particularly men—to drive systemic change and build cultures that support diversity and inclusion.

Through workshops, exchanges, and actionable strategies, The Elevate Initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap, inspire the next generation of leaders, and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.