Recently, I had the opportunity to attend my first U2 concert in Seattle, and it was nothing short of spectacular. After an electrifying performance of their classic Joshua Tree album, the band returned for an encore that centered around activism—a theme I had anticipated, given their history of championing various social causes. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see the spotlight focused on women’s issues, which left a significant impact on me.
Bono delivered a heartfelt message about the “luminous women” who are poised to transform “history” into “her-story.” He emphasized the essential role of women in shaping civilization and underscored our collective responsibility to uplift women globally. As the band performed, the enormous screen at the back of the stage showcased images of remarkable women throughout the past century, creating a powerful visual tribute.
I couldn’t help but notice that many of the initial images featured black women—Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, and others—highlighting the importance of intersectionality. The montage then transitioned to a diverse array of women, with Malala Yousafzai’s youthfully striking face grabbing attention and Michelle Obama receiving an enthusiastic applause.
As Bono and the band performed, I was struck by how dwarfed they appeared against this backdrop of empowered women. It felt intentional—four affluent white men using their platform to acknowledge the urgency of gender equality and the significance of women’s contributions. Their commitment is not just rhetorical; U2 actively supports initiatives like the ONE organization, which promotes the hashtag #GirlsCount and the phrase “Poverty is sexist.”
What resonated with me was the genuine enthusiasm with which Bono shared this message—there was no hint of paternalism or condescension. These men truly comprehend the necessity of change and are eager to be part of the solution.
We need more men like them. Men who recognize the historical dominance of patriarchy and the systemic barriers that have hindered women from achieving their full potential. Men who understand that advocating for equality requires more than just verbal support; it demands action. They must view women as equal partners across all areas of life—family, education, business, and politics—and actively work to dismantle obstacles that prevent women from seizing opportunities.
As they launched into “Elevation,” Bono reiterated the importance of raising the status of women and highlighted the disproportionate impact of poverty on them. Although he never explicitly referenced the term “feminism,” his message was undeniably feminist in nature.
This is why Glamour awarded Bono their inaugural Man of the Year accolade at their Women of the Year ceremony last year. His humble response underscored a critical point: “The battle for gender equality cannot be won unless men join women in leading it. We’re largely responsible for the problem, so we must be part of the solution.” His understanding is refreshing.
If Bono can advocate for women before an audience of 70,000, then men everywhere have the opportunity to speak up when they see injustices. Whether it’s calling out a sexist joke at work, addressing legislation affecting women’s health, or supporting a friend who has faced harassment, there are countless moments to affirm your role as an ally.
Better yet, men who truly get it can take the initiative. U2 didn’t have to use their concert to promote gender equality; they chose to. They recognized their platform and utilized it to amplify the voices of women.
While I appreciate women advocating for equality, there’s a unique strength in men doing the same. If we had countless more advocates like Bono and his bandmates, the world would undoubtedly be a brighter place for women—and, consequently, for everyone else. Achieving true equality requires collaboration between men and women.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of men who understand and advocate for feminism in the quest for gender equality. Bono’s recent U2 concert serves as an inspiring example of how influential figures can raise awareness for women’s rights and encourage others to take action. We need more men to join this movement, fostering collaboration for a more equitable future.