In a renewed effort to combat the rising incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, on Monday, September 29, 2025, launched a fresh advocacy and training programme in Enugu State.
The initiative brought together participants from diverse sectors, including civil society groups, the media, schools, government agencies, local government representatives, medical practitioners, and community stakeholders.
In a presentation titled “Interrupting Cycles – Healthy Masculinity, Healthy Relationships,” Strategic Communicator and Mediation Expert, Dr. Cyril Uche Anioke, highlighted how cycles of violence and unhealthy expressions of masculinity
are rarely isolated incidents.
Anioke stated that they are often passed from one generation to the next , shaping how boys learn to think, act and relate to others.
The Mediation Expert pointed out that “a boy who grew up witnessing his father use violence to assert control, or hearing constant messages that men must dominate women, is more likely to internalize these behaviours as normal.
As adults, such boys may either perpetrate violence themselves, tolerate it in silence, or struggle with their own Identities as men” he stated.
In another topic “Men/Boys and Societal Gender Norms- Myths vs Facts.”
Anioke stated that “ from an early age, boys and men are taught rigid rules about what it means to be “a real man.” These rules known as gender norms shape behaviour, expectations and relationships. Many of these norms are rooted in myths rather than facts.
Continuing , While some cultural values promote responsibility, courage and leadership, protection, hard work and courage, in a positive ways, harmful gender myths often pressure men themselves into unhealthy behaviours that normalize violence, domination and emotional suppression, even to the broader society. Therefore, understanding the difference between myths and facts is crucial for promoting healthier masculinity and preventing Gender Base Violence (GBV).”
He further spoke on “Media-Society-Faith Connection: Media vs Reality.” The Strategic Communicator and Mediation Expert noted that “men and boys do not form their identities in isolation, their sense of self, masculinity, and relationships with others is heavily influenced by three powerful forces – the media, society and faith. These three powerful forces shape how men and boys view themselves and others oftentimes by interacting with one another, sometimes reinforcing healthy values, but at times normalizing harmful beliefs and behaviours. For instance, while the media sometimes glamorizes violence, hypersexuality, and materialism, society repeats and enforces these patterns and faith traditions, while often rooted in values of dignity and respect, are sometimes misused to justify patriarchy.”
In her address, Professor Joy Ezeilo (SAN), Founder and Executive Director of WACOL, represented by Senior Programme Officer, Amala Okwuosa, explained that the workshop centered on engaging and training men and boys in GBV prevention. The project, titled “Men and Boys’ Engagement Program to Promote Positive Masculinity and Healthy Relationships,” aims to instill behavioural change and promote gender justice.
According to Ezeilo, GBV is preventable, but continues to persist due to entrenched patriarchal norms, systemic inequalities, and harmful cultural practices. “This project seeks to entrench positive shifts at individual, household, and community levels, reducing violence against women and girls through the active involvement of men and boys as allies,” she noted.
She emphasized that expected outcomes include attitudinal shifts and measurable capacity gains, which would be tracked through pre- and post-programme evaluations.
Another resource person, Mr. Chris Sanctus Okereke, delivered presentations on topics including “Understanding Objectification- Addressing Victim-Blaming, addressing defensive behaviour “ and “Understanding Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Exploitation.” He also explored themes of consent, coercion, and the importance of respectful behaviour in preventing GBV.
The workshop underscored that GBV not only violates human rights but also perpetuates cycles of inequality, stifles economic growth, and undermines social cohesion. By fostering positive masculinity and strengthening awareness across different groups, WACOL aims to break the cycle of violence and champion healthier relationships.
Participants engaged in group discussions and interactive sessions, with opportunities for questions and reflections.
The programme closed with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to confront gender-based violence in all its forms and work towards building safer, inclusive communities across Enugu State and beyond.