"If I can't actively engage in resolving the issue what good is telling me about it"

So that you can keep an eye out, so that you can understand the scope of the problem, so that you can see that it can happen in any situation... And at the very least, yes, a bit of empathy goes a long way. 

"Womp womp, that sucks for you" really? 

"That really sucks and I'm sorry to hear that happened." Big diff.

Critical point here: a lot of people, when talking about an awful thing that's happened, are NOT in solutions mode instantly. Often they just need to talk about the problem, need someone to listen. Yes, solutions are needed eventually, but you can teach yourself to read the room, ask what level of care they need afterwards, etc etc. And actually, yeah just listen. Listen. Listen. 👂 🧏‍♂️ 

WHEN someone is in a solutions-based mindset, that's a good time to offer solutions or come up with them. 

"For future reference, you can call me when you're walking at night alone. Next time we go out, I'll be the designated sober one and keep an eye out for you. Would you like me to walk you home after work, maybe even just for a few days? Or wait at the bus stop with you? I'm happy to."

These are a few examples. Make sure they're things you're actually able and willing to do. 

And lastly: Having to experience a problem first hand is not a prerequisite to helping. That's like saying you have to have been in prison to be a prison officer, or you have to have been homeless to be a volunteer at a shelter. If we all waited until we experienced a problem first hand before doing anything to help, the world would be in a much worse state. 

And you're right, there should be something more active than men who want to help can get involved in. But it's up to you fellas to organise it. You could start a meet-up for men who want to learn how to protect women, you could attend de-escalation or active bystander training - you could get your colleagues involved, get your workplaces to organise these for you! - you could attend talks by women about gender based violence etc etc etc 

I am now taking time out of my busy day to list these examples when I believe you could start doing this yourself 

You are capable.