NaijaAgroNet:
Concerned over the lack of male engagement in reducing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development
(Centre LSD), has kicked-off the implementation of a male engagement project on Sexual, Reproductive Health
and Rights (SRHR), as well as Harmful Traditional Practices in Nigeria, reports NaijaAgroNet.
The programme, NaijaAgroNet gathered is an
initiative of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) under the
Spotlight Initiative, envisioned a Nigeria where all women and girls,
particularly the most vulnerable, live a life free from violence and harmful
practices, by addressing the linkages between sexual and gender-based violence
and harmful practices with related aspects of sexual and reproductive health
and rights as a cross-cutting theme.
The project lead, Mr. Vincent Dania, Centre LSD, told NaijaAgroNet
the focus will be on prevention efforts particularly addressing the root causes
of gender-based violence and harmful practices (child marriage and Female
Genital Mutilation) against women and girls; and ensuring access to inclusive,
timely, and quality services for victims and survivors with a vibrant CSOs and
women movement.
“The Centre will work with other implementing partners to achieve
the goal of the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria,” he said.
The Centre’s role in the project, he said, would include “Mobilizing
men and setting up platforms of men against Sexual & Gender-Based Violence
at the community level; strengthening the capacities of identified traditional,
religious leaders and media. It will also identify and train male
advocates and champions at different levels (community, state and national) to
continuously speak up against Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG);
engaging male opinion leaders to secure support for VAWG, gender equality and
the empowerment of women; and train women and girls’ rights defenders in
relevant skills to better engage with religious leaders to end VAWG and HP.”
Further, NaijaAgroNet gathered the Centre
LSD will be implementing the project in two states, namely Lagos and Cross
River.
Isaac Oyimah/Editor
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