The 5 Levels of Male Allyship

A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion

What does it really mean for men to support gender equity—and where do they start?

Male allyship is critical in attaining gender parity in today’s organizations. And data shows that many men want to be better allies but just don’t know what to do, don’t know where to look, or don’t have the support they need.

In The 5 Levels of Male Allyship, inclusion experts Dr. Shawn Andrews and Michael O’Brien deliver a groundbreaking framework that charts the path from passive awareness to courageous advocacy. From the resistant Traditionalist to the fully engaged Champion, this book addresses the fears, pressures, and cultural forces that hold men back from meaningful support and offers tools to overcome them.

Drawing on hundreds of interviews with men and women across industries, this practical and eye-opening guide helps men understand where they are on the allyship spectrum—and how to move forward with intention and impact.

In an era when diversity efforts face backlash and burnout, The 5 Levels of Male Allyship makes the case that gender inclusion isn’t a zero-sum game: it’s a win for men, women, and entire organizations. Packed with real-world examples, self-assessments, and more than 60 strategies for personal and professional growth, this book empowers men to become stronger teammates while also guiding women and HR leaders in identifying and developing more male allies.

If you want to build a better workplace, this is your blueprint. The future of allyship begins here.