Why Men Should Be the Biggest Advocates for Women’s Safety

By Jamie Molyneux, Founder of Hunnybee

As a man growing up in an all-female household, I’ve always been acutely aware of or at least in my mind the unique challenges women face daily. From catcalls on the street to more sinister threats, the world is often not as safe a place for women as it should be. This reality becomes even starker when you consider not just physical safety, but personal and sexual safety too.

It’s time for men to step up, not just as allies, but as advocates for a safer world for women. This responsibility isn’t just about being there in the moment, it’s about creating lasting change, breaking stigmas, and reshaping the narrative around safety and respect.

Understanding Women’s Realities

For women, safety is an everyday consideration. Walking home at night, choosing outfits, sharing personal boundaries, it all comes with a mental checklist of precautions. But here’s the kicker - women didn’t choose this reality. Society did.

Take a moment to reflect on that. Imagine feeling the need to clutch your keys like a weapon as you walk to your car. Or having your "no" questioned in intimate moments. These are things men rarely think about because the world often feels safer for us.

Personal Safety - A Shared Responsibility

Personal safety is everyone’s responsibility, but men hold the power to make some of the most significant changes. It starts with accountability, calling out inappropriate behaviour when you see it, educating yourself and others about consent, and being mindful of the spaces you create or occupy.

Being proactive instead of passive is key. Men need to hold other men accountable, not just in public, but in private conversations where harmful jokes or attitudes are normalised. Women shouldn’t have to fight this fight alone.

Sexual Safety - Redefining Respect

Sexual safety often gets overlooked in these discussions, yet it’s a cornerstone of healthy relationships and wellbeing. Consent isn’t just about avoiding a “no”; it’s about enthusiastically seeking a “yes.” It’s about respect, understanding boundaries, and supporting your partner’s autonomy.

As the founder of Hunnybee, a brand deeply rooted in supporting sexual and mental wellbeing, I’ve seen how sexual safety (or lack thereof) impacts confidence and relationships. Women should feel empowered to explore their sexuality without fear, judgment, or coercion. It’s up to us as men to ensure we’re fostering safe, respectful environments where that exploration can happen freely.

Advocating for Change

Men often ask, “What can I do to help?” The answer is simple:

1. Educate Yourself: Read up on women’s experiences. Listen to their stories.
2. Be an Ally in Action: Support policies, movements, and conversations that advocate for women’s rights and safety.
3. Challenge the Status Quo: Don’t tolerate misogyny in any form, even when it feels “harmless.”
4. Promote Sex-Positive Conversations: Encourage open dialogue around consent and pleasure. Let’s normalize these discussions and make them part of our culture.

At Hunnybee, I’ve worked hard to create a brand that celebrates and supports women’s confidence, self-love, and pleasure. As a male founder in the sexual wellness space, I’ve had my fair share of skepticism, but I’ve also been overwhelmed by the gratitude from women who see a man genuinely championing their wellbeing.

We All Make Mistakes - But We Must Grow

Now, let me be clear: I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ll probably make more in the future. But what matters is what we do in those moments. It’s about recognizing when you’ve fallen short, owning it, and growing as a person.

This isn’t just about abstract principles, it’s about real life. Picture your mum scared to walk down the street at night. Imagine your sister feeling unsafe out at a bar or being pressured into something during an intimate moment. If that thought makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, you’re starting to understand.

That discomfort? Hold onto it. Use it. Let it push you to make changes, not just for the women in your life, but for all women.

This Is Our Challenge

To my fellow men - I challenge you to do better. Start small if you have to. Speak up. Step in. Be part of the solution. No one expects you to have it all figured out, but effort is non-negotiable.

Let’s stop leaving this responsibility to women. Let’s take that discomfort we feel imagining our loved ones scared or unsafe and turn it into action.

Because this isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a human issue.

Pleased with yourself, pleased with the world.

– Jamie Molyneux, Founder of Hunnybee