"Empowering Change: Advocates Call for Men's Active Role in the Gender Justice Movement"

A women's advocacy organization, the Male Feminist Network (MFN), has called on Nigerian men to avoid being oppressors and instead actively participate in the fight for gender equality and the eradication of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

Given the alarming rate of gender discrimination and the increase in GBV cases both nationally and globally, the organization emphasized that only genuine support from men can reverse this trend and foster a society free from fear, prejudice, and gender inequality.

During a press briefing in Uyo on Friday, facilitated by the Youth for Change Initiative with support from the Value Rebirth Empowerment Initiative and the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (CentreLSD), Peace Edem, the Coordinator for Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River States, made this appeal.

Expressing concern over Nigeria's 130th position out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report and the country's high maternal mortality rate, Edem noted that the Network was established to redefine masculinity and encourage men to become authentic allies in the pursuit of gender equality.

He stated, “For far too long, gender equality has been perceived as a 'women’s issue.' However, gender justice is not solely a women’s battle; it is a human one. Every man has a woman he cares for—be it a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or colleague. Yet, in our society, these same women endure daily challenges of inequality, exclusion, and abuse. Through the Male Feminist Network, we declare 'enough is enough.' We urge men to be protectors rather than perpetrators; partners instead of oppressors; and voices of reason instead of silence.”

Edem further mentioned that the group aims to cultivate a new generation of male advocates who will confront harmful norms that perpetuate inequality and violence in the community, understanding that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and nations rather than threatening them.

“We do not intend to oppose tradition but rather to challenge traditional practices that are not mutually beneficial and do not promote equality. Among the practices the Network seeks to combat are early child marriage, female genital mutilation, body shaming, and harmful widowhood practices,” he added.

Additionally, Anietie Bassey (Esq), President of the Male Advocate Unit of the GBV Management Committee in Akwa Ibom, emphasized the crucial role of the media in fostering a positive narrative for gender equality and justice. He stated, “I firmly believe that it is the media's greater responsibility to raise awareness about gender equality and positively shift men’s mindsets toward embracing healthier coexistence.”

In his goodwill message, Usoro Peter, Senior Program Officer at the Abundant Word of Faith Foundation, expressed gratitude to the project initiators, emphasizing that collective effort is essential to eradicate gender-based violence and discrimination in churches, families, and communities. He added, “We will be intentional in leading advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement to support policies that ensure women and girls live with dignity and equality.”