Why We Don’t Have Ministries Of Men And How Governments Address Men’s Issues

Public debates about gender equality often raise the question: If we have a Ministry of Women, why don’t we have a Ministry of Men? The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement believes that the answer lies in understanding how governments respond to structural disadvantage, how state institutions were designed, and how gendered inequalities shape daily life across societies.

Ministries of Women exist because women, historically and systemically, have been excluded from political, economic and social power. These ministries were established to correct entrenched inequalities, not to prioritise women over men, but to ensure that women and girls have equal access to rights, opportunities and justice. In nearly every country, men hold more political leadership, earn higher incomes, control more land and assets, and shape most institutions. As a result, men’s interests have long been built into the architecture of the state, while women’s interests had to be intentionally included.

“However, this does not mean that men do not face challenges or that their issues are overlooked. Governments address men’s concerns through mainstream ministries because men are already central figures within those systems. Health ministries respond to men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, high suicide rates, substance abuse, and occupational injuries. Education and labour ministries work on boys’ school retention, youth unemployment, and skills development. Justice and policing systems handle men’s experiences of crime, violence, rehabilitation and reintegration. Social welfare and family ministries develop policies on responsible fatherhood and parental engagement. Mental health initiatives increasingly address the pressures created by rigid masculinity norms,” said FWRM Executive Director, Nalini Singh.

A separate “Ministry of Men” is not required because the state systems that exist today already place men at the centre of policy design and delivery. Instead, what is needed is for mainstream ministries to better recognise and respond to the specific vulnerabilities certain groups of men face, including young men, men in rural areas, unemployed men, and men exposed to violence and trauma.

It is also important to note that strengthening gender equality benefits men as well. When gender ministries advocate for reducing violence, promoting shared caregiving, challenging harmful gender norms, and improving family well-being, these changes create healthier environments for men. Research consistently shows that societies with greater gender equality experience lower rates of violence, stronger social cohesion, and improved mental and physical health for all genders.

"So the more accurate question is not “Why don’t we have a Ministry of Men?” but rather “How can governments ensure men’s needs are addressed while still tackling systemic gender inequality?” The answer is twofold: by maintaining targeted institutions like Ministries of Women to close long-standing gender gaps (gender inequalities), and by ensuring that mainstream ministries - health, education, justice, youth; fully recognise and respond to the challenges men encounter," Ms Singh added.

A fair and inclusive society requires both approaches: dedicated institutions to correct inequality, and responsive systems that support everyone.

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