The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to policies and programmes that promote youth inclusion, civic responsibility, and social cohesion as key tools to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The declaration came during an advocacy workshop in Abuja themed “Redefining Masculinity: Boys as Champions of Change to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.”
Minister Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Director of the Youth Health, Mental, and Psychosocial Affairs Department, stressed that ending GBV demands a collective societal effort. This includes active roles from families, schools, religious and traditional leaders, and government through robust policies and enforcement.
“The ministry is committed to promoting policies, programmes, and partnerships that foster youth inclusion, civic responsibility, and social cohesion,” Olawande stated. “Through youth platforms and community initiatives, we instill values of mutual respect, gender equity, and non-violence.”
He called on families to raise boys to view girls as equals, schools to integrate emotional intelligence into curricula, religious and traditional leaders to challenge harmful norms, and the media to highlight positive role models.
“The government must provide the enabling environment through policy, enforcement, and support services,” he added, emphasizing the importance of guiding young people toward positive models of masculinity to shape a better Nigeria.
“If we empower them as champions of change, we unlock transformative forces capable of reshaping society for generations,” Olawande said, underscoring the critical role of youth engagement in eradicating GBV.
Ms. Yeye Dipo-Salami, Executive Director of BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, emphasized that men must be included in women’s development efforts. She shared inspiring examples of boys stepping in to stop domestic abuse, noting that engaging boys strengthens society and drives national progress.
Dipo-Salami explained that the workshop actively involved adolescent boys as allies against GBV, challenging toxic norms while promoting empathy, respect, accountability, and non-violence.
“It involved 100 male students aged 13–19 from selected secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory,” she said. “Students attended with male teachers to inspire transformative change.”
A cross-section of participants at the advocacy workshop on redefining masculinity: Boys as Champions of Change to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, fostering awareness and promoting positive gender norms.
One participant, Mr. Oluwashino Gboluwaga, said boys should embrace positive masculinity by supporting women and collaborating rather than oppressing or bullying the opposite gender.
He added that the workshop deepened their understanding of gender issues, equipping them to apply these lessons in their communities upon return.
Ten secondary schools from the FCT participated in the event, highlighting a growing focus on engaging young males early to build a culture of respect and equality.
The workshop reflects broader national efforts to address GBV by shifting mindsets among youth, positioning boys not as perpetrators but as active agents of positive change in Nigeria’s journey toward gender equity and social harmony.
