ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has emphasized the importance of supporting men in embracing positive masculinity as a means to reduce domestic violence and encourage greater male involvement in parenting and household responsibilities.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu made the call at the ongoing West African Convening on Positive Masculinity and Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV), held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Experience and Lessons in Applying Positive Masculinity in Addressing GBV in the Africa Sub-region,” is being held in commemoration of the 2025 World Father’s Day.
The programme is organized by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation.
World Father’s Day, observed on the third Sunday in June, is a global celebration that honors fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the role of fathers in society.
Mamedu highlighted that encouraging men to adopt positive masculinity helps foster emotional well-being, strengthens family units, and builds more resilient communities.
“Embracing positive masculinity is not just about gender justice—it’s about building happier homes, stronger communities, and a more peaceful and prosperous Africa,” he said.
He explained that when men are allowed to express their full humanity and break free from destructive societal norms, the entire society benefits.
Mamedu also referenced research by UN Women and other scholars, which links harmful masculinity to increased rates of gender-based violence, school dropouts, depression, and substance abuse.
He noted that cultural and social norms in many African communities often encourage men and boys to exhibit dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression.
“While these traits are often mistaken for strength, they frequently lead to insecurity, fractured relationships, poor health outcomes, and violence—especially against women and girls,” he said.
“An Africa rooted in peace, equity, and inclusive development cannot be built on the shaky foundation of harmful masculinities.”
Echoing Mamedu’s sentiments, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Director of the Pan-African and New Power Advocacy Office, criticized rigid definitions of masculinity that portray men as emotionally detached or inherently violent.
Abdu argued that such beliefs fuel violence and undermine the mental health of young people.
“We want people to understand that masculinity is a socially constructed identity. While one may be born male, the traits associated with masculinity are learned through socialization,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of unlearning harmful behaviors and embracing values such as empathy, engagement, and emotional expression.
“There needs to be a fundamental shift in how we raise our children. They must grow up in an environment that promotes mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and accountability,” he said.
“When boys are taught they are stronger than girls, must not show emotions, and should always assert dominance, we create divisions that fuel inequality and social dysfunction.”
According to Abdu, such toxic norms are contributing to rising cases of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and other societal issues.
