We’re still not sure if it’s okay to openly discuss how attracted we are to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, so luckily for us, he’s making headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with his physical appearance. In honor of International Women’s Day, Trudeau took to Twitter to post a video we suggest you watch in both English and French, reaffirming his country’s commitment to equality. What’s more, he put his money where his mouth is, pledging $650 million (Canadian) to reproductive-rights initiatives and programs that combat violence against women.
In a sit-down with Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Trudeau also emphasized one of the closing points in his video, which is that men have a large role to play in the struggle for gender parity. “My message to men is that women’s rights are everybody’s rights,” he said. “We know that society is better—more prosperous, more stable, more peaceful, more cohesive—when women’s rights are respected, and when women are valued, empowered and lead the way in our communities.” He went on to encourage men to be more engaged in domestic life in order to help level the playing field for women. “Whether it’s paternal leave or men who are proudly staying at home with the kids, we’re seeing changes—but they are not enough. We need to see more men becoming equal partners at home—and that’s certainly something that I talk to my kids about.”
Could this man be more perfect? We think not. We’re totally not objectifying him, just appreciating him and his powerful message for men (which we’re forwarding to a few critical males—ahem—in our own lives ASAP).
