Justin Trudeau says men need to hold themselves and their peers accountable for behaviour that threatens women's respect, protection and freedom.
The prime minister issued a statement Saturday marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
He said men should speak up on women's rights, stand against violence and promote female leadership in all aspects of society.
Trudeau's comments came two days after members of Canada's entertainment called for a code of conduct to help curtail the sexual harassment they describe as a reality in the country's film scene.
A dozen groups representing actors, talent agencies and other players in the national entertainment industry issued a statement saying a code of conduct would clearly define what is inappropriate behaviour as well as what the consequences would be for those who commit such actions.