INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

MAPPING THE PATH

The will is there  – now we need to draw the map

Our new report, Mapping the Path – New Masculinities in the Nordics, reveals that many men in the nordic and baltic countries are eager to contribute to positive change in their workplaces. However, our interviews with men across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Estonia show that moving from ”passive support” to ”active allyship” requires clear guidance, organizational support, and a better understanding of the barriers men face.

What the data tells us The project initially set out to investigate men’s responses to diversity interventions, but the results painted a clear picture of potential allies seeking a way forward. The participants in our study expressed a strong desire to be part of gender equality work but often lacked the ”map” on how to navigate it effectively.

In the report we present our key findings from our project , including:

• The Journey to Allyship: How men move from a ”turning point”—often triggered by personal relationships or witnessing unfairness—toward active learning and skill-building.

• The 4 Archetypes: Our analysis identified distinct types of engagement among the participants, ranging from ”The Family Man” (motivated by care for daughters or partners) to ”The Disempowered Agent” (who wants to act but lacks the mandate or support to do so).

• ”Hacking Homosociality”: How we can use existing male bonds and networks not to exclude, but to normalize conversations about equality and inspire other men to act.

The study shows that we cannot rely on a ”one size fits all” approach. To truly engage men, we need to understand their diverse motivations- whether it is the business case for diversity or a personal sense of justice.