Varsity Don Seeks Men’s Support To End Gender-based Violence

Nigerian men have been charged to join in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality.

A Professor of Medical Sociology at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Prof. Christopher Oluwadare, who made the charge, said all women and men must join forces to end gender inequality and violence among Nigerians.

This came as a non-governmental organisation, the African Centre For Leadership, Strategy and Development in Nigeria, disclosed that it is spearheading a project christened Male Feminist Network (MFN) to mobilise Nigerian men as active partners in promoting gender equality.

The project, which is supported by the Ford Foundation and has the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) as its Southwest partner, aims to train 1,000 males in all six geopolitical zones of the country.

Addressing a press conference to build the network of male feminists in support of gender-based violence prevention in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Oluwadare said the time has come for everyone to engage in building the network of male feminists in support of gender-based violence prevention in the country.

He maintained that men cannot afford to sit back and watch the other side of the gender cycle face struggles and challenges that should have ordinarily been complemented by men, so that society can witness a more harmonious relationship.

“From time immemorial, the issue around Gender Based Violence and gender equality in Nigeria has been driven largely by women, but unfortunately, transformative change demands that men too not only listen and watch.

“This time around, it is no doubt a conviction that men too must be unconditional allies, even advocates, and effective participants in the movement for gender justice”, he said.

In his address, the Programme officer of NISD, Mr ThankGod Ochai, said the NISD project sought to strengthen male allyship in advancing gender equality and combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).