Stakeholders in gender advocacy, government agencies and civil society organisations have called for stronger collaboration to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality following the official flag-off of the Male Feminist Networks (MFN) in Ondo State.
The programme, organised by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) under the Male Feminist Network Project, was launched on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, in Akure.
The initiative was to engage men as active allies in challenging gender-based violence, supporting women’s rights and transforming harmful gender norms to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
The two-year project is being implemented across four Southwest states: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo and is funded by the Ford Foundation in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre-LSD).
Speaking at the event, NISD Programme Officer, Mr. Ojo Olusegun, said the Male Feminist Networks are designed to advance gender equality by mobilising men as advocates, noting that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, bias and discrimination.
He decried the continued sexual, economic and political marginalisation of women, adding that one in three Nigerian women has experienced some form of violence, while Nigeria ranks 130th out of 146 countries on the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report.
He also raised concern over the high rate of school dropouts among girls due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy and poverty, calling for collective action to reverse the trend.
Olusegun urged men to choose empathy, respect and justice, while tasking the media to sustain reportage on gender equality and amplify advocacy through mainstream and social media platforms.
“This is a call to action for all relevant stakeholders,community leaders, government agencies and civil society groups to support the initiative,” he said
Mr. Olusegun expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government, gender-responsive agencies, community leaders and participants for their collaboration, expressing optimism that the network would help build a more inclusive and equitable society
Meanwhile, in a goodwill message, the Director of Counselling Services at the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, Mr. ’Tunde Emoruwa, described the initiative as timely and well-intentioned, noting that women often suffer abuse, maltreatment and violence in society.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to sensitise residents on the legal consequences of gender-based violence, particularly the rape of minors, and urged the public to report all cases to the agency.
Also speaking, the Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Oluwagbemigba Ojo, commended MFN for targeting artisans, whom he described as a vital link between the family and society.
Represented by the Olu of Ilero, Ita-Oniyan, Adekanmbi Obi, the monarch said the Isikan community strongly frowns at violence against women and has an emergency court to handle such cases.
The monarch urged men to take responsibility for the care of their homes and children, adding that traditional rulers in the community have pledged to champion the campaign against gender-based violence.
Similarly, Chairman Coalition of All Civil Society Organisation in Ondo State, Mr Martins Alo urged participants to act as watchdogs in their communities by promptly reporting all cases of violence against women to the appropriate authorities, as any one could be a victim.
