Why Men Must Stand with Women supporting the 2026 International Women’s Conference at Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY — January 18th, 2026 — The International Women’s Conference (IWC), returning to Hofstra University on Saturday, March 7, 2026, is calling on men—leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, educators, fathers, mentors, and allies—to take an active role in advancing gender equity, leadership, and legacy.

To register for the conference, or inquire about vending opportunities, community or corporate sponsorship visit: https://tinyurl.com/Internatio...

Now entering its ninth year, the International Women’s Conference has established itself as a powerful platform for dialogue, empowerment, and action. While the conference centers women’s voices, its impact is amplified when men step forward as partners in progress.

“Gender equity is not a women’s issue—it is a leadership issue, an economic issue, and a societal issue,” said conference organizers. “Men who support women’s leadership help build stronger families, healthier workplaces, and more competitive economies.”

Why Men’s Support Matters

Men occupy a significant share of leadership roles across business, government, education, and media. Their engagement is critical to ensuring that progress toward equity is not symbolic, but structural.

By supporting the International Women’s Conference, men:

• Strengthen leadership pipelines through advocacy, mentorship, and sponsorship
• Drive economic growth, as gender-diverse organizations consistently outperform peers
• Model allyship for future generations
• Help preserve legacy by creating cultures where opportunity is not limited by gender

The 2026 conference theme, HER VOICE, HER CULTURE, HER LEGACY, HER POWER, underscores the importance of partnership. Progress accelerates when men listen, learn, and lead alongside women.

Leadership Rooted in Influence and Legacy

For Phil Andrews, Founding President of the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., support for women’s leadership is rooted in the example set by his aunt, Rev. Frances Virginia Young, a respected faith leader and Star of Queens recognized for her lifelong dedication to community empowerment.

Rev. Young’s leadership—marked by service, advocacy, and mentorship—demonstrated the transformative power of women’s voices in shaping families, institutions, and neighborhoods across Queens and beyond.

“My commitment to supporting women’s leadership was shaped early on by my aunt, Rev. Frances Virginia Young,” Andrews said.

“She taught me that leadership without equity is incomplete, and that a society only rises as high as the opportunities it affords women. Supporting the International Women’s Conference is about honoring that lesson—standing with women not just in words, but in action.”

A Space for Learning, Leadership, and Action

The International Women’s Conference offers men a meaningful opportunity to engage through keynote addresses, panels, and networking with women leaders shaping business, policy, media, and community impact.

Male attendees gain insight into:

• Inclusive leadership strategies that strengthen organizations
• The impact of mentorship and sponsorship
• Practical ways to champion equity in professional and civic spaces
• How supporting women’s leadership benefits society as a whole

An Invitation to Lead Differently

The International Women’s Conference invites men not as spectators, but as stakeholders—leaders who understand that empowering women is essential to building a more just, innovative, and prosperous future.

“The strongest leaders are those who lift others,” organizers added. “Men who support this conference are investing in a legacy of shared leadership, expanded opportunity, and collective progress.”

To register for the conference, or inquire about vending opportunities, community or corporate sponsorship visit: https://tinyurl.com/InternationwomensDayCon2026