‘What about men?’ Activist asks Bill Gates after $2.5bn donation for women’s health

Prominent men’s mental health advocate, Halima Layeni, has asked the Gates Foundation to consider funding men’s health efforts and not limit its interventions to women. Layeni made the call after the foundation, the world’s largest by endowment size, announced a $2.5 billion commitment to fund “ignored, underfunded” women’s health. She described the move as “truly […]

Prominent men’s mental health advocate, Halima Layeni, has asked the Gates Foundation to consider funding men’s health efforts and not limit its interventions to women.

Layeni made the call after the foundation, the world’s largest by endowment size, announced a $2.5 billion commitment to fund “ignored, underfunded” women’s health.

She described the move as “truly commendable.”

The Executive Director of Life After Abuse Foundation added that it was a bold and necessary move to address systemic health inequities for women globally.

“But here’s a critical question: Can we extend the same intentionality to men’s health?” she queried.

Layeni explained that men face alarming health outcomes globally, including accounting for over 70 percent of all suicide deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

She further stated that men have a shorter life expectancy by five to seven years compared to women.

Layeni stressed that preventable diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and substance abuse disproportionately affect men, who are far less likely to seek help or access care.

“Just like women, men’s health issues have been ignored and underfunded for decades, largely because of cultural stigma and the assumption that ‘men are fine.’ The truth? They’re not,” she said.

The advocate harped on the need for men’s health to receive attention, emphasising that families are more stable and women carry fewer economic and emotional burdens when men live healthier lives.

According to her, strong male health reduces domestic violence, abandonment, and poverty cycles, which disproportionately affect women.

“Healthy men mean healthier families, communities, and economies.

“If we care about breaking cycles of poverty, improving global productivity, and fostering family well-being, we cannot afford to leave men behind in health conversations.

“Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation, what would it look like to pioneer a parallel movement for men’s health, alongside your vital work for women?

“The world needs it,” she said.

Layeni’s advocacy is not only limited to public calls for action; she is also actively creating resources aimed at addressing men’s mental health. In line with this mission, she has announced the release of her new book titled Dear Man: If You Carry The Weight, This Is Your Invitation.

At a time when the mental health crisis among men continues to grow globally, Dear Man emerges as a timely, heart-stirring publication that boldly addresses the often-unspoken emotional and psychological struggles of men.

The book invites men into a brave space of reflection and unlearning where emotional honesty is not only allowed but affirmed. Structured in three parts — The Weight of Expectations, The Inner Battles, and The Healing Journey — Dear Man is not just a book; it is a movement.

With compelling narratives, practical reflections, and hope-filled affirmations, it challenges harmful societal norms, confronts silence, and calls for a future where men are empowered to feel, heal, and thrive.

“This book was born from years of witnessing the silent suffering of men in communities, in therapy sessions, and on the streets. Dear Man is my heartfelt letter to them. A reminder that they are seen, heard, and worthy of emotional freedom,” she said.

Dear Man is suitable for men of all ages, professionals working in mental health, educators, faith leaders, partners, parents, and anyone passionate about promoting emotional well-being among men and boys.

The book is now available for order on Selar: https://selar.com/dear-man