Why Male Allies Are Critical in Nigeria’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Analysis – As Nigeria confronts persistent gender-based violence, advocacy groups are making an urgent case for what they see as a missing element in the fight: meaningful male engagement. Recent advocacy efforts highlight that without men stepping up as active allies, progress against GBV remains limited.
Beyond the 16-Day Campaign: A Year-Round Battle
During the recent 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the FAME Foundation emphasized that their work extends far beyond symbolic campaigns. “It’s not just about the 16 days; this is our daily work,” stated Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the foundation’s Executive Director.
This perspective challenges the notion that GBV awareness should be confined to annual campaigns. Instead, organizations like FAME Foundation maintain year-round operations including legal support for survivors and collaboration with national agencies.
The Partnership Strategy: From Arrests to Courtroom Support
The foundation’s collaboration with NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons) represents a practical approach to combating GBV. Recent joint efforts have resulted in arrests of perpetrators, with FAME Foundation’s legal team providing crucial follow-up in court proceedings.
This partnership model demonstrates how civil society organizations can effectively work with government agencies to create accountability systems that extend beyond initial intervention.
The Digital Frontier: Emerging Threats Require New Strategies
Aligning with the UN’s global theme, FAME Foundation highlighted the growing threat of digital violence. “We need to fight digital and cyberstalking,” Atoyebi urged, acknowledging that GBV has evolved beyond physical spaces into the digital realm.
This expansion of advocacy focus reflects the changing nature of violence against women in an increasingly connected society, requiring updated legal frameworks and public awareness campaigns.
The Femicide Tracker: Data-Driven Advocacy
One of the foundation’s key tools is their Femicide Tracker, launched last year to systematically document and report GBV cases. According to Program Director Kemisola Ibitoye, the data reveals a troubling pattern: many instances of GBV stem from those closest to the victims, including partners and family members.
This data challenges the common perception of GBV perpetrators as strangers, instead highlighting the domestic settings where much violence occurs.
The Male Allyship Gap: Why Silence Perpetuates Violence
The foundation’s most urgent message centers on the critical need for male involvement. “We need more men to speak out. It’s not enough for women to speak out; we need men as partners in this fight,” Ibitoye emphasized.
This call for male allyship represents a strategic shift in anti-GBV advocacy, recognizing that lasting change requires addressing the social dynamics that enable violence to persist.
Root Causes: Society and Upbringing
When questioned about the origins of GBV, Atoyebi provided a nuanced response: “We are dealing with mentalities shaped by society and upbringing.” This perspective moves beyond individual pathology to examine the cultural and social frameworks that normalize violence against women.
The foundation stresses the importance of early intervention, educating boys about respect for women and challenging harmful behaviors before they become entrenched patterns.
Beyond Bystanders: The Call for Active Male Engagement
The foundation’s leadership makes a clear distinction between passive non-participation and active allyship. “Men need to step up and be allies, not just silent bystanders,” Atoyebi concluded, highlighting that neutrality in the face of GBV effectively supports the status quo.
This approach reframes male responsibility in combating GBV, positioning men not as potential perpetrators to be managed, but as essential partners in creating cultural change.
The Path Forward: Collective Action for Systemic Change
As FAME Foundation continues its advocacy, the organization models a comprehensive approach that combines legal action, data collection, public awareness, and strategic partnerships. Their work demonstrates that combating GBV requires addressing the issue at multiple levels simultaneously—from individual cases to societal norms.
The foundation’s emphasis on male engagement represents a pragmatic recognition that cultural transformation cannot be achieved by half the population alone. Their call for men to become active allies in the fight against GBV may prove to be the critical factor in achieving meaningful, lasting change in Nigeria’s relationship with gender-based violence.
Source: This analysis is based on reporting from Legit.ng