Ekiti: Civil Groups Enlist Men, Transport Workers in Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence

Civil society organisations have intensified efforts to curb gender-based violence (GBV) in Ekiti State, with a renewed push to enlist men as frontline advocates against domestic abuse and other harmful social practices.

The initiative, spearheaded by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (LSD), culminated in the launch of the Male Feminist Network (MFN) in Ado-Ekiti, aimed at promoting positive masculinity and community-based prevention of GBV.

The two-day awareness and capacity-building programme, hosted at the Okada Riders Association Hall, drew participants from various artisan and trade groups, particularly commercial motorcycle operators, identified as key influencers within grassroots communities.

Addressing participants, the South-West Programme Officer of the Male Feminist Network, Mr. Segun Ojo, said the project was conceived to deliberately shift the narrative by making men allies rather than bystanders in the struggle against violence directed at women and girls.

Ojo explained that trained members of the network are expected to serve as peer educators, replicating the knowledge gained within their unions and neighbourhoods as part of a step-down approach to reducing abuse and promoting safer environments.

“Our goal is to empower men with the understanding and tools required to challenge harmful norms and intervene constructively when violence occurs,” he said.

Also speaking, a representative of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Adeniyi Bisola Helen, stressed that gender equality initiatives are not intended to undermine men but to foster cooperation and shared responsibility in building peaceful homes and communities.

She noted that while women and girls are disproportionately affected, gender-based violence can impact anyone, adding that sustained male involvement remains essential to achieving lasting behavioural change.

A highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Comrade Kunle Asaolu, as the Ekiti State Ambassador of the Male Feminist Network, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to social advocacy.

NISD’s State Programme Officer, Mrs. Racheal Ome Olori, said Asaolu’s selection was strategic, expressing confidence that his influence within the transport sector would help expand the campaign’s reach across the state.

In his acceptance remarks, Asaolu pledged to champion the cause of women’s rights and the protection of the girl child, assuring stakeholders of his resolve to mobilise motorcycle operators and other community members against gender-based violence.

The programme also featured interactive discussions, expert talks, and complimentary health education sessions, alongside basic medical screenings for participants.