Overview
For decades, conversations around gender-based violence (GBV) and gender equality in Nigeria have been driven, rightly, by women. But transformative change demands that men not only listen but lead with humility and responsibility. This project, spearheaded by Centre LSD with support from the Ford Foundation, is creating the space and structure for just that.
At its heart, this initiative aims to build a vibrant, visible, and values-driven national network of male feminists who stand in solidarity with women-led movements. These men are not saviors—they are allies, disruptors of patriarchy, and co-architects of a just society.
Why It Matters
In Nigeria, one in three women has experienced GBV. Deep-seated patriarchal norms, often reinforced by religion, culture, and male-dominated institutions, keep survivors silent and society complicit. While global and national frameworks exist to address GBV, a persistent lack of male engagement has left critical gaps in accountability and cultural transformation.
By engaging male leaders across sectors, professional associations, faith-based institutions, traditional councils, and local governance structures, this project targets the very systems that have historically upheld gender inequality. It not only challenges toxic masculinity but also recasts what it means to be a man in a feminist-informed, inclusive society.
Project Goals
This three-year initiative is structured to deliver both deep cultural change and institutional impact. The long-term goal is to ensure that:
Men across Nigeria actively challenge GBV and support women’s rights, contributing to transformed gender norms, stronger public institutions, and a more inclusive and equitable society.
What’s Already in Motion
Although early in its implementation, the project is grounded in strategic clarity and already building momentum through collaborative structures and pre-positioned partnerships.
1. Network Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships
Centre LSD is laying the foundation for a national, inclusive network of male feminists—many of whom are already part of the Network of Men Leaders to End Violence Against Women. This includes:
- Onboarding six regional partners
- Creating shared movement infrastructure (tools, platforms, training guides)
- Facilitating knowledge exchange with feminist and male-engagement movements across Africa
All tools and advocacy materials will be co-developed and co-owned by participating organizations to ensure long-term relevance and impact.
2. Engaging Traditional and Religious Leaders
Faith and culture still set the tone in many communities. The project is working to ensure that TRC leaders become part of the solution, not just critics on the sidelines. These leaders are being engaged through:
- Targeted learning dialogues
- Scriptural reinterpretation from a gender-justice lens
- Structured platforms for policy engagement and advocacy
Project Outcomes (Expected by 2027)
While the project is still in its early stages, Centre LSD is working toward a series of medium-term outcomes that will redefine male allyship in Nigeria:
Expanded Male Allyship
At least 1,000 male leaders and grassroots influencers will be trained in feminist theory, GBV prevention, and intersectional gender advocacy. These men will serve as allies, mentors, and champions within their own sectors and communities.
A National Male Feminist Network
An inclusive, functional, and visible male feminist network will be established, working in solidarity with Women’s Rights Organizations to amplify impact, not overshadow it. The network will drive joint campaigns, policy advocacy, and community engagement across Nigeria.
TRC-Led Cultural Shifts
A critical mass of traditional and religious leaders will adopt gender-sensitive practices, publicly reject patriarchal norms, and contribute to local and national dialogue on GBV policy reform.
Public Awareness and Discourse
Through partnerships with digital media, radio, and community platforms, GBV prevention messaging will gain significant national visibility, challenging toxic masculinity and shifting public narratives toward inclusion and accountability.
Mentorship and Intergenerational Leadership
Emerging male gender advocates will be mentored by experienced leaders, ensuring the sustainability of the movement across schools, faith institutions, and local governance structures.
Deepened WRO Collaboration
Women-led organizations will be resourced and supported to engage male allies through joint programming, with safeguards to ensure men’s involvement is feminist-aligned, non-performative, and rooted in shared accountability.
A Collaborative and Feminist-Informed Approach
Centre LSD’s implementation strategy is grounded in co-creation. This isn’t a top-down rollout, it’s a collective, cross-sectoral effort. The project works hand-in-hand with:
- Women’s rights organizations
- Civil society platforms
- Media and communications experts
- Male-led professional and advocacy bodies
The goal is to foster collective ownership, break the silos between men’s and women’s movements, and build a future in which everyone thrives—not despite their gender, but because equality is a shared, protected value.
Looking Ahead
The journey toward gender justice is long, but this project is helping Nigeria take decisive steps. Over the next two years, Centre LSD will continue to:
- Grow its national network of male feminists
- Expand mentorship platforms for emerging advocates
- Drive local-level TRC-led norm shifts
- Co-host public campaigns and events with feminist coalitions
- Ensure survivor-centered, feminist-aligned allyship remains the north star
Conclusion
This project doesn’t just challenge men to “do better”, it invites them into a lifelong practice of solidarity. With strategic support, robust partnerships, and a grounded feminist lens, Centre LSD is helping reimagine what allyship looks like in the fight to end GBV.
Because patriarchy isn’t inevitable, and silence is no longer an option.
