Ladies' Men

Since 1911, women have been uniting to celebrate their advances in civil liberties and empowerment. The International Conference of Working Women got together in Copenhagen in 1910 and decided to make their dream of an International Women's Day a reality.

In the past century, the movement has grown, and it's huge. Events around International Women's Day extend past the official March 8 celebration, encouraging dialogue and action through the whole month. The day is celebrated as a national holiday in many countries (but not the United States?) and regarded as a day for the international community to get off its collective butt and acknowledge the realities of inequality and violence that still haunt and plague us, despite the advances we've made.

Local themes vary, but the United Nations suggests a global one each year. This year marks an entirely new way of looking at one pervasive problem that our global community can't seem to get under control. This year's theme: "Men and women united to end violence against women and girls."

It's "new" because, for once, advocates aren't putting all of the burden on women to change their relationships, leave abusive environments, speak up about pain, and to share their strength and healing. No, organizers and activists are acknowledging that gender-based violence is a cultural problem. And if we want to get to that root of the problem and eradicate it, then we all need to take responsibility.

The upside is that society as a whole is noticing and doing something to make a difference. More and more men are taking it upon themselves to put the kibosh on the machismo that perpetuates the "tough guy" mentality of ownership and power.

I think there are a lot of people in this world that want to see things change, and who are ashamed of the legacy that those "tough guys" have left. I got to thinking about who's on the forefront of the movement, and a little digging around kind of blew my mind. In the past couple of years, organizations and movements have hit the road running — often with men and boys at the helm. In even better cases: Men and women sit at the helm together.

So in light of the times, here is a short list of organizations and people at the forefront — who to get involved with and how to do your part healing these wounds.

1. Read stories. Eve Ensler's V Day initiative has collected testimonies and P.O.V.s from guys — from artists to academics and everything in between — in its V-Men Column. This is the perfect way for men to think more about their role in changing the world, and for women to understand the male perspective. Knowledge, compassion and understanding make a pretty solid foundation, no?

2. Man up. We profiled Jimmie Briggs for Black History Month. Man Up is his new baby, creating a platform by using hip-hop music and soccer as uniting catalysts for young people, girls and boys alike, to fight toward equality and compassion.

3. Men Engage. This nonprofit has been around for about five years. It's actually not just one organization; it's an alliance of NGOs and individuals who believe in making men responsible for their part in changing women's rights. They've got a bunch of programs up and running. Check them out.

4. Celebrities! Of course, stars jump on the cause du jour like white on rice, but some big names have been true to the cause for a while now. Take heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis. I got to work with him making this PSA, and he spent a lot of time off-camera talking about how much he believes in what he is standing up for. Check it out here.

5. More stars line up. Check out this list of politicians, athletes, musicians and actors who are involved with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Then sign up for yourself and spread the word.

6. Creative-as-hell grassroots movements. For example: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. If we can get a gang of dudes stomping around in stilettos to make a statement, we can do anything.

7. Men Stopping Violence. Yet another organization, working locally, regionally and nationally — to provide tools and resources for men ready to combat social stereotypes and dangerous cultural patterns.

The U.N. has provided a forum for searching events around the world, making sure no one has an excuse for not being involved.

So give a little extra love to the women in your life this month. Boys and girls, full-grown men and women — we've all got a stake in this, and all have a responsibility to chip away toward a better future for gals the world over.