Overview
In a country where patriarchal structures are deeply embedded in both tradition and religion, violence against women and girls (VAWG) often thrives behind a veil of silence and cultural justification. To dismantle this, Centre LSD has launched an ongoing, multi-dimensional initiative that recognizes men not just as part of the problem, but as essential to the solution
At the heart of this effort is the Network of Men Leaders (NoML) to End Violence Against Women, a national movement championed by the Centre LSD, which is transforming how communities view masculinity, leadership, and gender justice. With over 450 active members across 21 states, the project continues to reshape cultural narratives, reduce gender-based violence, and empower male allies to act with empathy and accountability.
Purpose and Strategy
This initiative seeks to build a Nigeria where women and girls live free from violence by directly engaging men and boys as allies, advocates, and agents of change. The strategy is rooted in re-education, community-level intervention, and the transformation of deeply held gender norms.
Key approaches include working with religious and traditional leaders, challenging toxic masculine ideals, and supporting survivors through mediation, awareness, and psychosocial assistance. Rather than operating in isolation, the project integrates into existing community structures to ensure long-term sustainability and relevance.
The Network of Men Leaders (NoML)
Formed in 2013 as the Nigerian chapter of a global initiative launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Network of Men Leaders is coordinated by Centre LSD and serves as the engine room of this movement.
Its mission is simple but radical: to mobilize men to Act, Advocate, and Unite in eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
The Network includes a wide range of male leaders—from police officers and religious figures to community elders and government officials. These men are trained to intervene in domestic violence cases, lead public campaigns, and deconstruct harmful gender norms within their spheres of influence.
Transformative Interventions in Progress
From community dialogues to direct conflict resolution, the Network is implementing activities that reflect both urgency and intentionality.
Challenging Patriarchal Norms and Masculinity:
The project holds dialogues and campaigns that interrogate harmful gender roles and power structures, helping men unlearn toxic ideas about dominance, entitlement, and control. This work aims to create a new model of masculinity—one rooted in empathy, equality, and responsibility.
Providing Direct Community Support:
The Network has been instrumental in early response interventions. Between 2013 and 2018, it successfully mediated at least 10 cases of intimate partner violence, all with no repeat offenses. In 2014, it launched a national helpline (0812 255 6434), which has so far recorded 18 GBV reports—12 of which have been resolved through Network facilitation.
Engaging Institutions and Influencers:
Recognizing the powerful role of religious and traditional authority, Centre LSD works closely with clerics, emirs, and community chiefs to embed gender-just messages into sermons, rulings, and customs. This engagement helps shift the narrative from the top down, accelerating societal buy-in.
What Has Been Achieved So Far
Progress is tangible and expanding.
- Increased male advocacy: More men, including law enforcement agents and community elders, are now vocal advocates for gender equality.
- Successful mediations: Conflict resolutions handled by the Network have demonstrated low recidivism and growing trust from communities.
- Improved survivor support: The helpline and local agents have created safe channels for survivors to seek help confidentially.
- Cultural shifts: Through consistent advocacy, men now preach against GBV in churches and mosques; traditional councils are beginning to include women in decision-making.
Looking Ahead: Plans in Motion
The project is still growing and so is its ambition. The next phase of the initiative is focused on scaling up, deepening engagement, and creating more structured impact.
Plans for expansion and innovation include:
- Extending the Network’s presence to all 36 states of Nigeria
- Collaborating with NEMA and NOA to form a National Volunteer Crisis Response Team
- Producing video documentaries that capture survivor stories and male champions’ journeys
- Advocating for state and national policies that improve service delivery and legal protection for survivors
- Creating community-based rehabilitation pathways for perpetrators to break the cycle of violence
These next steps are designed to ensure that justice isn’t just reactive, it’s preventive, structural, and embedded in Nigeria’s social fabric.
Why This Work Matters
Ending violence against women requires more than laws and punishment—it demands a fundamental transformation of societal values. By focusing on men, not to center them, but to engage their power for good, Centre LSD is shifting the terrain on which gender justice is fought and won.
The project stands as proof that men can be part of the solution and that with the right tools, support, and conviction, they can become loud voices against silence, and firm hands against harm
