Recently, I attended my first concert by the renowned band U2 in Seattle, and it was nothing short of spectacular. After performing their iconic Joshua Tree album, the band returned to the stage for an encore focused on activism, which I anticipated given their history of advocating for social and political issues. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the spotlight on women’s empowerment, and it left a profound impact on me.
Bono spoke fervently about the “luminous women” shaping “her-story” and underscored the importance of women in propelling civilization forward. He emphasized the urgent need for everyone to contribute to elevating women’s status worldwide. The massive screen behind the band showcased a montage of influential women, featuring powerful figures like Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Malala Yousafzai, emphasizing intersectionality with a diverse array of faces. It was striking to see the contrast between Bono and his bandmates—four privileged men—standing before a backdrop of incredible women, a visual representation of their message.
U2 used their platform not just to pay homage but to advocate for gender equality, aligning with their organization’s mission, which promotes the hashtag #GirlsCount and the slogan “Poverty is sexist.” What struck me was the authenticity with which the message was delivered. These are men who understand the gravity of the issue and are committed to finding solutions.
We need more men like Bono—men who recognize the historical dominance of patriarchy and its detrimental effects on women’s potential. It’s not enough to merely profess belief in equality; true advocates see women as equal partners across all spheres—family, education, business, and politics—and actively work to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s progress.
As they transitioned into the song “Elevation,” Bono reiterated the necessity of uplifting women and girls, highlighting how poverty disproportionately impacts them. While he avoided explicitly using the term “feminism”—a word that often stirs discomfort—his message was unmistakably feminist. Glamour even honored him as their inaugural Man of the Year at their Women of the Year Awards, to which Bono humbly responded, acknowledging that achieving gender equality requires men to take responsibility and lead alongside women.
If Bono can advocate for women in front of 70,000 attendees, then men everywhere must also seize opportunities to speak out in their daily lives. Whether it’s addressing a sexist joke at work, discussing policies affecting women’s health, or supporting a friend who shares her experiences, there are countless moments where men can assert their stance as allies. Even better, proactive men can initiate these discussions themselves. U2 wasn’t obligated to use their concert to promote gender equality; they chose to because they have a voice and a platform.
While it’s inspiring to see women advocating for equality, the power of male allies cannot be understated. If we had more men like Bono and his bandmates, the world would be a brighter place for women—and, by extension, for everyone. Full equality can only be achieved through collaboration between men and women.
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