In a recent workshop in Ado Ekiti, Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami, the Executive Director of Baobab for Women’s Human Rights and former Commissioner for Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Ekiti State, emphasized the importance of instilling positive masculinity among boys to effectively combat gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower young men to become allies in the struggle against GBV while revisiting traditional concepts of masculinity that have often perpetuated harmful behaviors.

Dipo-Salami highlighted the program's goals, which center around creating awareness among boys and men regarding the detrimental impacts of GBV. Through the sensitization workshop, she aims to equip the younger generation with the tools necessary to challenge societal norms that sustain violence and discrimination against women. Supported by the African Women’s Development Fund, the workshop represents a significant commitment to nurturing a generation of empathetic, respectful men who will advocate for gender equality.

The initiative is particularly timely as Nigeria grapples with rising issues of GBV, often rooted in longstanding cultural beliefs about masculinity. By engaging boys early on and fostering discussions around masculinity in a positive light, Dipo-Salami and her organization hope to not only reduce GBV but also alter the narratives surrounding manhood in Nigerian society, ultimately advancing gender parity and safety for all.