Masculinity and misogyny expert, Professor Steven Roberts, will feature as an expert panelist at the upcoming Women’s Agenda Women’s Health Summit.
The 2026 Summit, held on Tuesday 1 September, will include an inaugural ‘Men’s Panel’ to discuss the state of healthy masculinities today. Professor Roberts will provide a crucial scholarly lens, drawing on his extensive research into masculinities, inequality and social change. He will feature alongside host of Two Doting Dads Matty Johnson, who champions positive fatherhood, and former Socceroo and human rights activist Craig Foster AM, a leading voice for gender equality and social justice.
Professor Roberts said the panel discussion provides an important opportunity to discuss how influences on young boys and men, including ‘manosphere’ culture and digital radicalisation, bleed into classrooms, posing direct threats to the safety, mental health and well-being of women and girls.
“Women’s health and safety cannot be solved by women alone. Achieving true health equity requires us to tackle the underlying social determinants, including how and what young men are learning about masculinity and gender equality,” Professor Roberts said.
“Redefining healthy masculinity and equipping men to actively challenge misogyny are fundamental steps toward creating a safer future for women.”
Drawing on his extensive research into youth culture, education settings, and digital environments, Professor Roberts noted that addressing these challenges requires navigating complex social and cultural tensions.
“Public conversations about boys and men often shift between concern over the renewed appeal of male supremacy, and a parallel fear that we are isolating boys and driving them down these toxic paths,” Professor Roberts said.
“Evidence shows there is a clear link between what boys consume online, the rise of male supremacy narratives, and the real-world gender-based violence that so often follows.
“True equality requires men to take responsibility and play an active role in prevention. I’m looking forward to joining a panel with leaders who recognise that building healthier men is key to building a safer world for women and girls.”
Professor Roberts’ work highlights the critical role sociological research plays in informing primary prevention strategies and shaping national policy around gender-based violence, from youth education and employment trajectories to understanding male social networks and how masculinity is defined and understood in modern society.
The Women’s Agenda Women’s Health & Wellbeing Summit will take place on Tuesday 1 September at the Telstra CIC, Level 2 at 400 George Street, Sydney. Professor Roberts’ panel will take place from 1:15pm.
