During a youth dialogue webinar marking the 2023 16 Days of Activism against GBV themed “Unite,” Dr. Matthew Okoh, a public health expert, urged men to speak out against gender-based violence to address human rights violations and potential health crises.
Dr. Okoh highlighted the challenges men face in reporting violence, citing societal expectations that pressure them to appear tough and invincible.
He emphasized that the reluctance to express vulnerability contributes to the lack of statistics on GBV against men and increases the risk of suicide.
Addressing the need for change, Dr. Okoh called for the dismantling of societal norms silencing male voices in the GBV discourse.
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He proposed encouraging men to share their experiences and creating supportive environments to reduce associated stigma.
Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), underscored the pervasive nature of GBV, urging a unified response.
She questioned the need for a designated 16 days of activism, stating that combating GBV should be an everyday commitment.
Dorothy Njemanze, Executive Director of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, stressed the necessity of collective action against GBV.
She advocated for comprehensive support for survivors, emphasizing the importance of a framework extending beyond immediate crisis intervention.
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