Ogheruona Tejiri/Aizighode Psalmist, Warri
Male Feminist Network (MFN) has been flagged off for the South-South region with a call on men to become allies in promoting gender equality, ending gender-based violence.
Flagging of the Network deferred as a movement in the High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo NUJ Warri Press Centre, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI)disclosed that the initiative, launched in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), seeks to redefine masculinity and inspire men to support women’s empowerment.
He said that the movement was conceived to address deep-rooted inequalities that continue to affect women globally and in Nigeria, adding that despite years of advocacy, women remain marginalized socially, economically, and politically.
According to Amb. Egedegbe, “across the world, women are less likely to have access to social protection, decent work, or financial services. In Nigeria, only 4.7 percent of House of Representatives members and 2.7 percent of Senators are women among the lowest in the world.”
He noted that Nigeria ranks 130th out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, with a maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and high rates of gender-based violence, adding, “these are not just numbers they are lives, families, and futures on the line.”
Pastor Egedegbe explained that the Male Feminist Network aims to build a community of enlightened men who promote gender justice, lead advocacy and support policies that ensure women and girls live in dignity and equality, he added “we aim to raise a new generation of male champions who understand that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and nations.”
He called on men from all walks of life to join the movement, emphasizing that gender equality is not a women’s issue but a human one, “every man has a woman he loves, a mother, sister, wife, or daughter. We are calling on men to be protectors, not perpetrators; partners, not oppressors “
He commended the media, civil society actors, and community leaders for their support, stressing the importance of storytelling and advocacy in sustaining the gender equality movement, he spoke further, “let us be the generation of men remembered for choosing empathy over ego, respect over dominance, and justice over silence.”
Also speaking, Prof. Andrew Agboro, Chairman, Delta State Civil Society Organisations Forum, underscored the vital role of the media in advancing gender justice. He said the media can challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and mobilize citizens for social change.
Prof. Agboro urged journalists to use inclusive language, produce gender-sensitive content, and feature women in diverse roles. He added that media organizations should lead by example by adopting internal codes of ethics and gender policies that promote equality within newsrooms and society.
Responding to a question from a participant on women’s inclusion in journalism, Comr. Victor Okpomor, Chairman, NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, Comrade affirmed that women are well represented in the media, adding, “there are women in the profession, and they are well recognized and occupy key positions across Television and radio stations.”
The event marked the official launch of the Male Feminist Network in the South-South region, with participants pledging to promote equality, respect, and collaboration between men and women across Nigeria.
High point was the cutting of cake to mark the birthday of Pastor Egedegbe.
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