Allyship has become a widely used term in recent years, often appearing in corporate strategies, educational settings, and personal bios. But what does it really mean to be an ally? And more importantly, how do you know if you are one, in action, not just in name?
This blog challenges you to look beyond the language of performative solidarity and towards the deeper, often uncomfortable, work of authentic allyship.
Allyship Is Not…
Let’s start with what allyship is not.
- It is not a title you claim.
- It is not a certificate you earn after attending a training.
- It is not a pass to speak on behalf of those who face marginalisation.
- It is not an opportunity to be a “saviour” or hero.
Being an ally is not about you.
It’s about the people and communities whose voices have been systemically ignored, oppressed, or silenced, and your ongoing commitment to stand beside, behind, and occasionally in front of them when needed.
So, What Is Allyship?
At its core, allyship is a lifelong commitment to:
- Learning about the lived realities of others, especially those whose identities and experiences differ from your own.
- Supporting marginalised groups without taking over their narratives.
- Challenging unacceptable language, behaviour, and policies, even when it costs you comfort or status.
- Taking accountability when you get things wrong, because you will, and that’s part of the process.
Allyship in Education and Beyond
While this concept often arises in schools and universities, true allyship is not bound to the classroom. Whether you are in health, construction, the arts, tech, law enforcement, or local government, you can practice allyship everywhere.
Being a good ally means:
- Being comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.
- Educating yourself rather than relying on marginalised people to teach you.
- Being present in the struggle, not just in the celebration.
- Recognising your own privilege and how it operates in your life and career.
- Being willing to disrupt, speak out, or enact change even when it’s not convenient.
Reflective Pause: Are You a Good Ally?
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time you educated yourself (without being prompted) on an issue affecting a marginalised community?
- Have you ever called out inappropriate behaviour, even when the person responsible was a friend or senior colleague?
- Do you amplify voices from marginalised backgrounds or are you taking up space meant for them?
- When challenged, do you become defensive, or do you reflect and take responsibility?
- Have you made allyship part of your everyday practice or is it something you engage with only when prompted?
Allyship Is a Verb
To be an ally is to do.
It’s action over accolade. It’s showing up, not once, but consistently. It’s humility, not heroism. It’s asking, “How can I help without centring myself?” and being prepared to act on the answer.
Allyship means you may never be thanked or recognised and you’re okay with that.
Final Thought: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
When you lean into discomfort, educate yourself continuously, and commit to showing up even when it’s hard that’s when allyship transforms from theory into practice.
And in doing so, you don’t just help others survive systems of inequality you contribute to spaces where everyone, including yourself, can thrive.
Food for Thought:
What is one thing you’ll do differently going forward to become a better ally?
Take the time. Assess your actions. Make the commitment.