We recently looked at the pressing need for more female voices in the mainstream of African business. Not solely a cause of gender discrimination, this lack of diversity also limits the perspective and scope of business in an increasingly connected, digitised world. But while gaining recognition is one thing, it’s quite another to encourage forward momentum on a truly level playing field. For that, we need male advocates. Men who are, like the women around them, prepared to be partners in bringing about a more diverse and inclusive working environment. AWB hosted a Real Women, Real Talk session on the role of men as allies in the workplace. We had several men in the room who were open and honest about the issues holding women back in the work environment, the role men play in the institutionalization of these issues and how men can contribute to resolving them. Thank you to our speakers and guests for your active participation. We look forward to hearing you lead this conversation in your individual spaces.