Men’s involvement crucial in eradicating violence against women, experts say

Experts have called for men’s involvement in eradicating violence against women. This call was made at the grand finale of a four-day training workshop organized by Citadel Management Development Consult in collaboration with Sure Smiles Women and Children Initiatives, held at the FCTA Training Centre, Abuja.

The workshop has as a theme, ‘Examining the effect of gender-based violence on women, and its social and psychological effects on society.’ It was a gathering of both academicians and professionals from different fields including males, who were adequately enlightened and were also able to proffer workable recommendations that will put a lasting stop to the disturbing menace of gender-based violence.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the center for Gender Studies and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja, Dr. Gloria Ibikunle, who doubled as the Keynote Speaker called on men to become more involved by speaking to themselves and ensuring they adhere to it.

In her words: “Gender-based violence, to be more specific, sexual gender-based violence has dire consequences on the society. If not urgently curtailed, it could lead to an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, a surge in early marriage syndrome, increase in gender inequality amongst other very horrid outcomes.

“To avert this, traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians should be encouraged to speak out against this crime, especially ‘Men Speaking to Men’ programs and for HTP ‘Women Speaking to Women’ on the need to seek counselling and medical attention.”

Consequently, the founder of Sure Smiles Women and Children Advocacy Initiative who was also the convener of the workshop, Dr. Chioma Uzo-Udegbunam, said that men should be more involved in this conversation.

“We examined the effect of gender-based violence(GBV), we picked on the men, we talked to the men, and we tried to educate them. We tried to train them on the effect of gender-based violence and how they can curb it and help eradicate it.

“Today, being the grand finale, we spoke extensively about sexual and gender-based violence. We are expecting a positive outcome because they all put down recommendations that we will implement.

“These men will also go back to their homes and offices to see to the reengineering of the minds of people around them.”

One of the participants, Mr. Lawal Abdul, expressed his excitement at the workshop.

“The training is a great move that should continue. We as men should become more involved with ending this disturbing trend. If we become more involved, the society will be a better place. I also hope that the next training will explore the sexual abuse of boys by women who are supposed to be care-givers.”