UN Women He for She

An Inclusive Global Effort to Empower Humanity

Introduction

He For She is a global solidarity movement created by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It provides a systematic approach and targeted platform where men and boys actively participate as allies and change agents in achieving gender equality.

This initiative recognizes that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but a human rights issue that requires collective participation. By engaging men as partners, HeForShe promotes a shared vision of justice, equality, and progress for all.

Launch and Global Impact

The HeForShe movement was officially launched on 20th September 2014 at the United Nations Headquarters by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson.

Since its inception, HeForShe has gained immense global momentum —

• Hundreds of thousands of men from diverse backgrounds, including Heads of State, CEOs, and cultural icons, have pledged their support.
• The movement has generated over 2 billion social media conversations and inspired real-world actions across continents.

Its ambitious goal is to mobilize one billion men to accelerate progress toward gender equality, marking one of the most widespread social mobilizations of the 21st century.

Vision and Objectives

HeForShe envisions a world where men and women work together as equals to eliminate discrimination and ensure opportunities for all.

The movement’s objectives include:

• Encouraging men to publicly commit to gender equality.
• Promoting shared responsibility in domestic, professional, and public spheres.
• Fostering behavioural and cultural transformation that benefits both women and men.

Through both online and offline platforms, HeForShe engages individuals in self-reflection and positive action, helping them define what gender equality means personally and how they can contribute to it.

Engaging Men as Agents of Change

A key pillar of the movement is the belief that men play a crucial role in dismantling gender inequality. HeForShe encourages men to:

• Advocate for women’s rights in their communities.
• Challenge stereotypes and cultural norms that perpetuate inequality.
• Support women’s leadership in workplaces, politics, and peacebuilding.

By engaging male CEOs, leaders, and policymakers, HeForShe promotes accountability and transformative leadership, inspiring organizational and structural changes that ensure gender equity in decision-making spaces.

Economic Empowerment and Shared Responsibility

HeForShe also addresses women’s economic empowerment, encouraging men to actively support women’s access to opportunities and leadership.

It invites men to examine and reform their roles in balancing care and responsibilities —

• Between the household and workplace
• Between the market and the state
• Between women and men

Such collaboration ensures more inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Peace and Security Through Equality

The international community increasingly recognizes that women’s participation is vital for achieving and sustaining peace. Women are proven agents of change in conflict resolution and community building.

HeForShe aims to rebalance gender representation in peace processes by empowering women leaders and engaging men as advocates for inclusivity and reconciliation.

Preventing Gender-Based Violence

HeForShe takes a comprehensive stance on ending gender-based violence, emphasizing prevention through education and accountability.

It calls on men and boys to:

• Reflect on and transform their attitudes toward women and girls.
• Reject all forms of violence and discrimination.
• Intervene responsibly when witnessing injustice.
• Seek support to change harmful behaviours where needed.

By doing so, HeForShe promotes a cultural shift toward empathy, respect, and non-violence.

Leadership and Lasting Change

Where men have taken the lead in prioritizing gender equality, tangible progress has followed. The movement supports male political and social leaders who are willing to act as catalysts for transformation — influencing both public policies and private sector practices.

Through their leadership, HeForShe fosters a ripple effect that transforms families, workplaces, and societies worldwide.

A Philatelic Tribute

To commemorate this powerful global initiative, the Department of Posts (India) and the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) jointly released a set of two postage stamps and a miniature sheet on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2016, celebrating the India–UN Women HeForShe movement.

Designed by Mirkolillic, the stamps visually express the fundamental message of HeForShe — that women and men are two equal halves of humanity, and together they form a complete, harmonious world.

This philatelic issue stands as a meaningful tribute to a global effort that transcends boundaries — a call to every man, woman, and child to unite for equality, dignity, and justice for all.

Conclusion

The HeForShe movement represents a bold step toward an equitable and inclusive world. By inviting men and boys to stand alongside women, it amplifies the universal message that equality benefits everyone.

As more individuals commit to this cause, the vision of a world built on mutual respect, shared opportunity, and human dignity moves closer to reality.

HeForShe reminds us that true progress begins when humanity stands together — not as genders in opposition, but as partners in equality.