ASABA/Nigeria: The Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), Ambassador Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, has renewed calls for collective action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), urging citizens and community leaders to take a firm stand against all forms of abuse in society.
Egedegbe made the appeal during a sensitisation meeting with executive members of the Spare Parts Main Market in Effurun, where he stressed the need for increased awareness, stronger community engagement and strict enforcement of laws designed to protect vulnerable persons from violence and discrimination.
Addressing participants, he sought to dispel misconceptions surrounding feminism, explaining that a feminist is anyone who advocates fairness, justice and equal opportunities for all people, irrespective of gender, culture or social background.
According to him, Gender-Based Violence is not limited to women alone but includes any form of violence perpetrated against men, women and children.
He noted that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law clearly criminalises all forms of violence against individuals and warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We strongly condemn physical, emotional, economic and all other forms of violence against women, men and children. When we embrace equality, it promotes peace and encourages mutual respect among individuals. We stand firmly against every form of violence in society,” Egedegbe stated.
He further called on traditional institutions, community leaders, market associations and other stakeholders to collaborate in promoting a zero-tolerance approach to violence, protecting women and children, strengthening family values and fostering peaceful coexistence through gender equality.
According to him, building safer communities requires a collective commitment to justice, respect and the protection of human rights.
Responding, Chairman of the Spare Parts Main Market, Mr. Emeke Evemezie, commended the Male Feminist Network for its advocacy efforts and dedication to addressing Gender-Based Violence in society.
He described the sensitisation programme as timely and impactful, noting that it had helped to deepen understanding of the dangers of GBV and the importance of promoting equality and mutual respect.
Evemezie also appealed for future engagements that would involve a larger segment of the market community to further expand awareness and strengthen the campaign against violence.
Other executive members of the market expressed strong interest in the advocacy initiative, asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of Gender-Based Violence and available legal protections.
They also requested a dedicated contact channel for reporting GBV-related cases and indicated their willingness to join the Male Feminist Network in support of its mission to promote gender justice and peaceful communities.
