The conversation around women’s rights has often been framed as a zero-sum game, pitting men and women against each other. However, Olivia Bilocca, HR Advisor, presents a more holistic and systemic perspective in her recent LinkedIn post, emphasising that progress for women does not mean regression for men. Instead, it requires a societal shift that benefits everyone.

Ms Bilocca shares insights from an International Women’s Day (IWD) event organised by SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs and the Malta Chamber of SMEs.

One of the key takeaways from Ms Bilocca’s post is that gender equality isn’t a battle between men and women; it’s about evolving together. As women break into leadership positions, enter traditionally male-dominated fields, or balance careers with family life, society as a whole must adapt. This means addressing key questions such as:

• How do we support men in adjusting to a world where women are more active in the workforce?
• What changes need to happen in parenting and household responsibilities to reflect these shifts?
• How can we ensure that both men and women thrive in this evolving social structure?

Ms Bilocca stresses that the key to progress is collaboration over competition. The traditional division of labour at home and work is shifting, and for real change to take root, we need to rethink how we raise our children, structure workplaces, and support individuals in choosing the paths that suit them best; whether that means a man embracing a caregiving role or a woman leading a company.

Many discussions around gender equality focus on isolated success stories, but Ms Bilocca urges us to look at the broader picture. Every change, no matter how small, has ripple effects on society. Supporting women’s career growth doesn’t just affect individual women - it impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities. If we fail to adapt to these shifts holistically, progress will remain uneven and unsustainable.

As Ms Bilocca aptly puts it, “either we all thrive and evolve, or none of us do.” The key to sustainable progress lies in creating an environment where men and women are not adversaries but partners in reshaping societal norms. Rather than focusing on competition, we must work toward collaboration, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

The future of gender equality isn’t about exclusion or division - it’s about creating space for everyone to grow.