Women, Men and the Whole Damn Thing

In Women, Men & the Whole Damn Thing, author David Leser presents an essential and incisive investigation that unearths the roots of misogyny, its inextricable links to the patriarchy, and how history brought us to the #MeToo movement and the wave of incandescent female rage sweeping the globe. Crucially, he also interrogates his own psyche, privilege, and culpability as he bears witness to the 'collective wound of the world' and how we might move towards healing.

This book calls on men (yes, all men) to be accountable for their contribution to the continuing oppression of women by the patriarchal structures that have dominated our culture historically, right through to the present moment. David Leser argues that female oppression is the greatest moral issue of our times and that we are all responsible for dismantling the structures that cause such oppression. This book is one man's journey into how to grapple with both the personal and collective aftermath of #MeToo and the new future that beckons.

Including interviews with Tina Brown, Zainab Salbi, Marlene Schiappa and Helen Garner, among other globally recognised names, Women, Men & the Whole Damn Thing is a bold, honest and self-searching overview of the cultural moment we find ourselves in.

'So timely, connecting and regularly sublime that it feels like it was written as much for my mates and I as it was for my daughters. Resolutely human. Utterly essential. Wholly unputdownable.' - Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe

'I want to hire a plane and air-drop this book onto footy ovals, board-rooms, electoral offices and boys' schools.' - Benjamin Law, journalist, author

'A brave plunge into deep waters: a tough, thorough, tender-even loving-book.' - Robert Drewe, author of The Shark Net

'If you are a mum of a boy, I think you need to read this book. If you are the mum of a girl, I think you need to read this book. If you are a woman, I think you need to read this book. Especially, if you are a man, I think you need to read this book.' - Justine Armstrong, founder of Fearless Speaking

'At last, a man has listened and understood.' - Jane Caro, social commentator

'This book got under my skin and into my heart. Every man in the country needs to read it.' - Tom Harkin, CEO, Tomorrow Man

'Staggering in its range and depth. A landmark book.' - Steve Biddulph, best-selling author

'I thought my relationship with women was fine, however, through [David's] words he challenged my internal dialogue. He educated me, provoked my vulnerabilities and ultimately encouraged me to be better.' - Tom Harley, CEO, Sydney Swans

'I have not met a more important male advocate for how we navigate a more inclusive future together.' - Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of Australia