A non-governmental organisation working to end gender-based violence in Nigeria, Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation, Gboko, has called for the exposure of perpetrators of the act by Nigerians.
The communication officer of the foundation, Akirghir Caleb, who made the call during a stakeholders‘ engagement meeting on the Male Feminists Network in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, said changing the narrative from violence to peace by exposing the actors, will enhance the development of the society.
The meeting which was organised in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, has the theme, ”Promoting Male Engagement in Support of Ending Gender- Based Violence in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau“.
According to Mr. Caleb, the Male Feminists Network (MFN) is a Nigerian initiative led by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development.
He further explained that the meeting was intended to recruit, train, and mobilise men to actively participate in ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality, supported by the Ford Foundation
He said that the network was aimed at expanding male allyship by transforming men from silent bystanders into active partners in dismantling patriarchal systems that sustain gender inequality.
He urged the men and other Nigerians to promote gender equality in the country.
The programme manager of the Foundation, Mr Akpen Manfred, urged the stakeholders to educate their people against GBV.
He also called on the people to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality for the development of society.
He equally called for collaboration to end GBV in the country.
” GBV will be eradicated if we join hands together to fight it,” he said.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Isaiah Ter, the executive director of the Foundation, said the Male Feminists Network is to engage men as allies in the struggle against GBV, to dismantle harmful patriarchal norms.
Ter, who was represented by Rev. Fr Jude Maigari, coordinator, Justice Development and Peace Foundation, Lafia, said that the stakeholder meeting was an invitation to shared vision.
” A vision of a society where daughters can walk free of fear, where women’s voices are heard in decision- making.
” A place where men and women stand side by side as partners in building peace and progress,” he stated.
