Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, the Executive Director of Baobab for Women’s Human Rights has expressed eagerness to support the growth of positive masculinity and help nurture a generation of empathetic and respectful men who are dedicated to achieving gender equality.
A former Commissioner for Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Ekiti State, Dipo-Salami made remarks in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during a one-day sensitization workshop themed, “Redefining masculinity: Boys as champions of change to end GBV in Nigeria.”
“Our goal is to create a future where boys and men are not only aware of the harm caused by GBV, but are also equipped to challenge and change the norms that perpetuate it,” Dipo-Salami said.
“We believe that by engaging teenage boys and promoting positive masculinity, we can create a generation of men who are empathetic, respectful, and committed to gender equality.
“Our vision is a Nigeria where every woman’s voice is heard, every girl’s potential is unleashed, and the rights of all are fully realised,” she added.
“The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the fight against GBV in Nigeria, contribute to reducing its incidence, improve reporting and response to cases, shape attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls, and enhance community engagement and activism against GBV,” Dipo-Salami said.
She noted that the programme, supported by the African Women’s Development Fund and will soon be replicated across the 36 states of the Federation.