A colonial power is a foreign entity that establishes control over an indigenous people, typically asserting economic control, and taking resources for their own ends. And when it comes to Movember; an Australian charity, with Australian Governance, who arrived to the UK from Australia, to dominate the vibrant UK men’s health sector, to hoard and syphon money back to its homeland; then not only do I find “colonization” to be an apt term, but one where Movember have been frighteningly successful. Since my recent (and rather late) entrance into this space, I’ve been humbled by how many incredible British charities have fought diligently to save men and boys; advocating thanklessly, tirelessly, and with incredible bravery behind the scenes. The second thing that struck me was how little funding they get, typically none, meaning such orgs are often driven by grit, determination, righteousness and lived experience alone. And third, and most shockingly, I’ve discovered how much money is in fact donated to men’s health, through incredible events, fundraisers and fun-runs, but always seems to end up in the wrong pockets. Pockets not of the most deserving or in need; but the most visible and skilled in marketing, and those deep enough to dominate Google search results… and those pockets belong to Movember. They are, in my view, the McDonalds of Men’s Health, oozing glossy feel good schtick, flexing in the mirror, posing for photos, and hoovering up donations from a well-intentioned British public. But remember, like McDonalds, just because you’re the biggest, doesn’t mean you’re the best, and often, you’ll find wonderful, locally-run burger joints, teetering on bankruptcy, eclipsed by that giant, glorious M, despite being far more deserving of your money. So, I share with you data. Data showing who governs Movember Europe (hint: the Australians), how much money they have (a lot), and most importantly, how little of it they spend on men’s health. So, as we approach that magical month of fundraising, I beg you to look past the glossy ads, and support your grassroots, home-grown charities, struggling to survive, instead (DM for recommendations) #menshealth

2025-07-21