The New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) has officially launched the Male Feminist Network (MFN) in Ondo State, rallying men as active allies in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of equality.
Flagged off on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, the initiative which is funded by the Ford Foundation and implemented in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development is projected to dismantle harmful gender norms across four southwestern states: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo.
“Sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, bias and discrimination,” declared NISD Programme Officer Mr. Ojo Olusegun at the launch. He emphasized the urgent need for male involvement, citing that one in three Nigerian women has experienced some form of violence and that Nigeria ranks a dismal 130th out of 146 countries on the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index.
Olusegun also highlighted the alarming rate of school dropouts among girls due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and poverty. “This is a call to action for all relevant stakeholders, community leaders, government agencies, and civil society groups to support the initiative,” he urged, challenging men to choose empathy, respect, and justice.
The initiative received strong backing from traditional and governmental representatives. Mr. ’Tunde Emoruwa, Director of Counselling Services at the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, described the network as “timely and well-intentioned,” calling on traditional rulers to educate communities on the legal consequences of violence, especially against minors.
Oba Oluwagbemigba Ojo, the Iralepo of Isikan, commended the MFN for engaging artisans, whom he called “a vital link between the family and society.” Represented by the Olu of Ilero, the monarch noted that his community already operates an emergency court to address violence against women and pledged the support of traditional institutions in championing the campaign.
Chairman of the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State, Mr Martins Alo urged participants to become community watchdogs, promptly reporting cases of violence. “Anyone could be a victim,” he reminded the gathering, reinforcing the collective responsibility to protect vulnerable groups.
The project now moves into a critical implementation phase, with its success hinging on sustained collaboration between communities, traditional authorities, and civil society.
