Male Feminists Pledge to Sensitize Against Misconception of Feminism, Promote Gender Justice in Nigeria’s South South States
By Ekemini Simon
Men who stand for fairness and justice between men and women and work to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities and respect have expressed their readiness to correct the widespread misconception of the term feminism and also work to promote gender justice.
This was part of the resolution reached at the one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for Male Feminists Network Cluster 2 (Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River) of South South Nigeria.
The workshop, organised by Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI) in collaboration with Youth for Change Initiative (YOFCI), and supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), held on Monday, November 10, 2025 in Uyo.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the training, the 42 participants including traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, persons with disabilities, legal practitioners, civil society actors, media representatives, and male allies expressed their committed to deepening grassroots efforts to prevent Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promote gender justice.
Participants who agreed that feminism is often misrepresented in local discourse hence the need to correct the widespread misconception explained that “feminism seeks equality, justice, and human rights for all,” and that “men’s involvement is critical to achieving these goals.”
The participants noted that the ToT had equipped them with practical tools and strategies to prevent gender-based violence, promote feminist values, and strengthen advocacy and community mobilisation.
They said that men must be repositioned as allies and champions of equality rather than bystanders or perpetrators.
“We commit to engaging men as key advocates and facilitators in the fight against GBV, promoting accountability at the community level,” the communiqué stated.
The trainers also resolved to cascade the training to their respective communities, institutions, and networks by organising step down sessions that will expand the Male Feminist Network’s reach across Akwa Ibom State.
These sessions, they said will include sensitisation on identifying early warning signs of violence, de-escalating potentially violent situations, and offering appropriate referrals for survivors.
According to the communiqué, the ToT provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious groups, and civil society toward ending harmful gender norms and building safer, more equitable communities.
While noting that they will not be able to succeed in their advocacy on their own, the participants called on the government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to join the campaign to end GBV and advance gender equality.
Earlier in his welcome Remarks, the Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Amb. Edewor Egedegbe said the workshop is bringing together passionate and committed individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by one common goal which is to build a society free from gender based violence and inequality.
“The Male Feminist Network is more than a project; it is a movement that seeks to reshape mindsets, challenge harmful norms, and promote equity, fairness, and justice for all. By engaging men as allies and advocates, we are breaking barriers that have for too long silenced progress and perpetuated injustice”, Egedegbe said.