NISD, African Centre Train Ondo Men on Feminism, GBV Prevention

…kick off Male Feminists Network Project

A two-day capacity–building programme designed to strengthen the involvement of men and community influencers in gender advocacy and the prevention of gender-based violence has commenced in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The initiative, tagged Male Feminists Network (MFN), is organised by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in collaboration with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development.

Participants were drawn from artisan unions such as barbers, mechanics and electrical Technicians alongside traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious institutions and the media.

Speaking at the opening session, the State Project Coordinator of MFN, Mr. Olusegun Ojo, said the programme aims to build a generation of men who understand feminism as a commitment to fairness, dignity and shared humanity.

He added that MFN is intentionally nurturing young male advocatesj capable of amplifying feminist ideals and supporting interventions that safeguard women and girls.

Also, the Ondo State Programme Officer of NISD, Mrs. Adedoyin Patrick, said the initiative seeks to empower men to speak boldly for gender justice. She noted that sustainable progress in addressing gender-based violence depends on men becoming visible allies who challenge harmful social norms within their localities.

According to her, the training brings together religious leaders, artisan groups, media professionals, and representatives of government ministries and legal bodies, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice and FIDA, who are well-positioned to drive attitudinal change.

The lead facilitator, Prof. Oluwadare Christopher, delivered a detailed session on gender concepts and feminist philosophy, stressing that society has yet to fully appreciate the economic and social contributions of women to family and national development.

He highlighted that patriarchal structures continue to give men disproportionate access to power and resources, resulting in systemic inequality. According to him, equality of outcomes remains the long-term aspiration, while equity provides the pathway for achieving it.

Prof. Oluwadare explained that the convening brought together a diverse pool of participants from artisan associations, religious circles, the media and government institutions.

He said the purpose of the engagement is to prepare these leaders to become vocal advocates of male feminism, speaking decisively for gender equality and against gender-based violence. Advocacy, he noted, should not be left to women alone.

He encouraged men to speak up for their daughters, wives, mothers and grandmothers, insisting that accelerating gender equality demands collective resolve and sustained action.

Describing the sessions as highly interactive, the scholar said participants shared lived experiences and pledged to challenge discriminatory practices within their spheres of influence.

Prof. Oluwadare further emphasized the critical role of the media in reinforcing messages that men and women are created as one and deserve opportunities tailored to their needs. He warned that equal opportunities without addressing unique barriers only deepen inequality.

He called for increased support for women in education, healthcare, political representation and resource access, lamenting that despite women forming the larger voting population, they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership and public life.

The highlight of the first day was a highly engaging interactive session.

In a chat with journalists, the Director of Guidance and Counselling who represented the Chairperson of the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV), Mr. Tunde Emuruwa, said targeted engagement with men and boys is essential to curbing rising cases of abuse.

He said gender-based violence thrives where silence is normalized and harmful attitudes remain unchecked.

Emuruwa commended theu organisers for prioritizing male participation and urged attendees to become ambassadors for safe homes, safe communities and a society where women and girls can live without fear.

The training continues on Wednesday, with facilitators expected to deepen discussions through group tasks, case studies, role-play and reflective learning sessions.