Penguin India has released Putting the Toilet Seat Down: A Man’s Guide to Feminism by Harshveer Jain, a clear and engaging call for men to actively participate in building a more equal society. Instead of preaching from a distance, Jain uses humor, everyday examples, and personal reflection to explain how gender privilege operates — and why neutrality is no longer enough.

The book lands at a time when gaps in representation remain stark: only 10.4% of Fortune 500 firms have women CEOs; fewer than 20% of the world’s citizens are governed by women leaders; women own under 10% of privately-held land globally; and judicial and media leadership continues to be dominated by men. Jain argues that addressing these deep-rooted imbalances requires men to step up, question bias, and consciously practice fairness.

Written in a crisp, relatable tone, the book follows Jain’s own journey from passive acceptance of patriarchal norms to becoming a more aware and engaged participant. It tackles cultural flashpoints — from the “alpha male” myth to misunderstandings around consent — and reframes feminism as something that benefits men too, by freeing them from limiting emotional expectations.

Harshveer Jain, an IIT Bombay and IIM Calcutta alumnus, has worked across consulting, technology, public policy, and advertising, and is known for his ability to break down complex ideas through TEDx talks, workshops, and online platforms.

Putting the Toilet Seat Down positions feminism not as confrontation, but as clarity, empathy, and everyday responsibility — a practical guide for men ready to rethink, relearn, and act.