A Civil Society Organisation under the auspices of the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) has launched the Male Feminist Network (MFN) initiative among South-West states “to mobilise men as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.”
Speaking at the launch of the MFN initiative yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Project Officer, ThankGod Ossai, said that the project, which is a two-year nationwide initiative, is aimed at mobilising Nigerian men as active partners in promoting gender equality and ending gender-based violence (GBV).
Ossai said that the Male Feminist Network (MFN) project was spearheaded by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (LSDC) in Nigeria and supported by the Ford Foundation, while the New Initiative for Social Development is the South-West Zonal Partner.
“For decades, the conversation around GBV and gender equality in Nigeria has been driven, rightly, by women, but transformative change demands that men not only listen, but lead with humility and responsibility. This project is rooted in the idea that men must be allies, advocates, and active participants in the movement for gender justice.”
According to him, the men’s strategy will involve engaging traditional, religious, trade unions, drivers/transportation unions and professional leaders to shift cultural norms and institutional attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.
“The MFN aims to disrupt patriarchal systems and challenge harmful norms by training 1,000 male leaders, professionals, and grassroots influencers across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Rather than remaining silent bystanders, these male allies will be equipped to advocate for feminist values and lead by example in their communities.”
Speaking on the benefits, the Project Officer said that male feminists would play a crucial role in preventing violence against women and girls, while also promoting a culture of respect and empathy.
He added that by working towards gender equality, male feminists can help create a more just and equitable society for all.
“We call on all men in South-West Nigeria to join us in this effort, promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms to build a brighter future for all.”
Also speaking at the event, Professor Christopher Oluwadare, a Professor of Medical Sociology at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, said the project objective is to build a network of male advocates who can speak in support of the GBV.
“We need male facilitators who can speak for women who cannot speak for themselves. We can shift cultural norms and destroy all forms of GBV.
“The New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) is launching and creating awareness of this project among South-West states with the belief that men have a critical role to play in achieving this societal transformation.”
