Creating a counter-narrative against the patriarchal system, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has tasked men to see themselves as partners with women to end gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

FIDA made this assertion during the second “bi-annual shared learning forum for men promoting gender justice” held in Ikeja, Lagos in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.

In her remark, the Vice National President of FIDA, Mrs Eliana Martins, said the forum provided a platform for men to share their experiences and strategies for preventing GBV and to network with others who are working towards the same goal.

She urged men to see themselves as being in partnership with women to bring an end to GBV.

She said men and women working together could promote gender-sensitive and protective communities, ultimately reducing GBV and promoting gender equality.

“GBV remains a pervasive issue in Africa, with deep roots in cultural and traditional values. Women are often blamed for issues like childlessness, denied economic rights and family inheritances.

“Early and forced marriage are also significant problems, with parents forcing their daughters into marriage before the age of 18. This shared learning forum aims to engage men in promoting gender equality and preventing GBV.

“By creating a counter-narrative against the patriarchal system, the forum seeks to enhance awareness on women’s rights protection and enable men to become champions for gender justice,” she said.

Also, the National Financial Secretary of FIDA, Mrs Philomena Nneji, said GBV is deep-rooted in some of the cultural norms and values in Nigeria.

According to her, having men attend the forum would help to drive home the point.

This, she said, would make them return to their respective communities and educate their gender.

The chairperson of FIDA Ikeja Branch, Mrs Veronica Eze in her address said progress had been made in terms of engaging with men to curb gender-based violence.

“With the continuous awareness against GBV, more men would change their orientations and see women as partners rather than tools being used to showcase their masculinity.

“Men are mostly perpetrators of domestic violence and society makes them so due to traditional norms,” she declared.

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch, Mr Bayo Akinlade, urged men to go back to their various communities and enlighten their fellow men on the prevention of GBV.

He reiterated the need for the inclusion of women in politics to have a balance and even representation in governance.

The facilitator, Mr Oluwafemi Abe, said that men should see themselves as partners with women in fighting against GBV.

He said the group engaged men directly because they are mostly the enablers of GBV.

“When cases of GBV are reported at the grassroots level, these are the men you see and if they are not knowledgeable about this case, it becomes problematic in handling it.

“This is why we are telling them today that they are partners and women too will see them as partners.

“Men are not supposed to be seen as the problem because masculinity itself should be used positively to fight GBV,” Abe said.