Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has called on Nigerian men to take a leading role in tackling gender-based violence, saying the responsibility of protecting women’s rights should not rest on women alone.
The actor made the appeal on Friday in Abuja after joining the Male Feminists Network, where he pledged his support for efforts aimed at addressing violence against women and promoting gender equality.
Highlighting the need for greater female representation in leadership, RMD said women have repeatedly shown they can deliver results when entrusted with responsibility.
“Personally, when I did a film two years ago, I had like 80 percent women in the crew. And I always say to people in my profession, if you want to have anything done in government, put a woman in charge, and you can sleep with ‘your eyes closed,’” he said.
He urged men to abandon abusive behaviour and instead relate with women in a manner that reflects dignity and mutual respect.
“Just give respect to women and treat them like human beings. Or treat them like the way you would treat your daughter or your wife, with respect, with dignity. You know, don’t objectify them, don’t perpetrate violence. Correcting them does not mean hitting and beating them. It is easier to talk to people these days than to just use your fist.”
According to him, lasting progress in the fight against gender-based violence will only be achieved when men become active participants in challenging discrimination and harmful social norms.
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“There are institutionalized and systemic ways that women’s rights are trampled upon in Nigeria, and it is not something only women can fight. We also have to lend our voices to organizations working for women’s rights and against gender-based violence,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, public affairs analyst and gender advocate Dr Otive Igbuzor said respected community figures, including traditional and religious leaders, have a crucial role to play in discouraging gender-based violence and advancing the protection of women’s rights.