RMD Urges Men To Respect Women, Speak Out Against Gender-Based Violence

Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has called on Nigerian men to play a more active role in ending gender-based violence, stressing that women deserve respect, dignity and equal opportunities.

Speaking at an event in Abuja, the celebrated actor highlighted the importance of giving women greater leadership roles, particularly in government and the workplace. Drawing from his own experience, RMD revealed that about 80 per cent of the crew on one of his films two years ago were women, describing their contribution as invaluable.

He encouraged men to treat women with the same care and consideration they would extend to their wives, daughters or other loved ones, rather than reducing them to objects or resorting to violence.

According to him, disagreements should be resolved through dialogue instead of physical abuse, noting that communication is always a better option than aggression.

RMD also emphasised that tackling violence against women should not be seen as a women’s issue alone. He said men must join the conversation, challenge harmful attitudes and support organisations working to protect women’s rights and combat gender-based violence.

The actor further pointed out that many women continue to face institutional and systemic discrimination in Nigeria, insisting that meaningful progress will require collective action from both men and women to create a more just and respectful society.