Good morning, distinguished members of the press, partners, and stakeholders.
The Male Feminist Network (MFN), a project spearheaded by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) in Nigeria supported by the Ford Foundation while New Initiative for Social Development is the Southwest Zonal Partner. This project is a two-year nationwide initiative which is to mobilize Nigerian men as active partners in promoting gender equality and ending gender-based violence (GBV).
The MFN aims to disrupt patriarchal systems and challenge harmful norms by training 2,000 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.
“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 radical idea that men must be allies, advocates, and active participants in the movement for gender justice”.
The MFN’s strategy will involve:
- Targeting systems of inequality: Engaging traditional, religious, trade unions, Drivers/transportation unions and professional leaders to shift cultural norms and institutional attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.
- Strategic awareness campaigns: Using traditional and digital media to challenge toxic masculinity and promote inclusive gender narratives across the country.
- Solidarity with women’s rights organizations: Amplifying the impact of existing women-led movements without overshadowing them.
- Mentorship: Fostering intergenerational leadership by mentoring young men to become gender justice advocates in their homes and communities.
- Read the Details below
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