Participants at the third panel session of the Nigerian Women’s Day event have called on men to move beyond passive support and take active leadership roles in promoting gender justice.
The discussion formed part of activities marking Nigerian Women’s Day held on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, with the session focusing on “Positive masculinity: men as partners in justice and gender equity.”
Moderating the session, diaspora advocate Adi Enitan Okuyelu emphasised that meaningful progress in gender equality requires deliberate engagement from men.
She noted that “men have an important role in advancing opportunities for women and girls, urging them to use their positions and influence to create enabling spaces where women can thrive.”
Okuyelu said that “achieving lasting gender equity would require moving beyond discussions to practical actions that support inclusive leadership and shared responsibility in society.”
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said that genuine change requires institutional reform and measurable commitments.
He said; “At ActionAid, you can’t have a male board chair and a male vice-chair. Our system ensures inclusiveness.
“Positive masculinity starts with deliberate frameworks that give women equal room to lead. Participation is a right, not a privilege.”
Mamedu also urged policymakers to prioritise justice over political convenience.
“If we truly believe in HeForShe, we must be willing to lose elections or power to do what is right for women,” Mamedu stated.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu emphasised that women’s rights are fundamental human rights.
He said; “What women are asking for is their right, not a privilege.
“Men have captured these rights for centuries, it’s time to let go. Real justice cannot exist without inclusion.”
Closing the session, Minister of Women Affairs Dr Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that sustainable equality depends on partnership.
The event was organised by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, under the theme ‘31 years of progress, resilience, impact and renewed hope.’
It brought together leaders from diplomacy, civil society, traditional institutions, and human rights advocacy.