Abuja: ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has emphasized the importance of supporting men in embracing positive masculinity as a strategy to reduce domestic violence and foster greater participation in parenting and household responsibilities. The call was made by the Country Director of ActionAid, Andrew Mamedu, during the ongoing West African Convening on Positive Masculinity and Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, held in Abuja, is themed 'Experience and Lessons in Applying Positive Masculinity in Addressing GBV in the Africa sub-region' and is in commemoration of the 2025 World Father's Day. The program is organized by AAN with the support of the Ford Foundation and aims to honor fathers and emphasize the influence of fatherhood, paternal bonds, and fathers' roles in society.
Mamedu highlighted that encouraging men to embrace positive masculinity would contribute to making them emotionally healthier, stronger, and more family-oriented. He stated, "Embracing positive masculinity is not just about gender justice; it's about building happier homes, more resilient communities, and ultimately a more prosperous and peaceful Africa. This is because when men are free to express their full humanity, when they are not boxed in by destructive norms, the entire society benefits."
Mamedu pointed out that the United Nations Women and other scholars have linked harmful masculinity to issues such as gender-based violence, school dropouts, depression, and substance abuse. He remarked that cultural and social norms in many African communities continue to encourage men and boys to display traits such as dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression, which are often viewed as signs of strength but can lead to insecurity, broken relationships, poor health, and violence, particularly against women and girls.
Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Director of the Pan-African and New Power Advocacy Office, also criticized the prevailing concept of masculinity that defines men as lacking emotions, promoting violence, and undermining the mental health of young people. Abdu stressed the need to redefine masculinity, stating, "Masculinity is a constructed identity that, though born as a boy, the traits are learnt through socialization. It is important to unlearn these traits to become more sympathetic, engaging, expressive, and less violent."
Abdu further noted the necessity for a shift in children's upbringing, advocating for an approach that promotes mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and accountability. He underscored that teaching boys they must be aggressive and assertive differentiates them from girls and contributes to a mental health crisis, substance abuse, and other social vices.