At a recent two day training and mobilization event held in Ibadan, stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat gender based and sexual violence in Nigeria. A key takeaway from the discussions was the recognition that men and boys, often overlooked in conversations about sexual violence, must be considered victims as well if the country is to effectively address and eradicate such violence.
The training brought together community based organizations, non governmental organizations (NGOs), and key stakeholders who work on issues related to gender-based violence, sexual health, and social justice. One of the pivotal points raised during the event was the importance of expanding the framework for addressing sexual violence to include men and boys, who are too often excluded or silenced due to deeply entrenched masculine norms.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Emmanuel Yelotan, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), emphasized that while women and girls are often seen as the primary victims of sexual violence, men and boys also experience this traumatic reality. However, due to societal perceptions of masculinity and the stigma surrounding male vulnerability, incidents of sexual violence against men and boys are often downplayed or ignored.
Men and boys also suffer from sexual violence, but this fact is often undermined by the rigid norms of masculinity that prevail in our society, Mr. Yelotan remarked. It is crucial that we acknowledge their experiences and include them in our strategies to combat gender-based violence.
The widespread belief that men and boys should be strong and impervious to vulnerability contributes to the silence surrounding their experiences. This cultural norm not only prevents male victims from seeking help but also makes it difficult for society to recognize and address their needs. As a result, men and boys who suffer from sexual violence may feel isolated, ashamed, and unable to access support services, further perpetuating the cycle of trauma.
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One of the central themes of the training was the need to challenge and redefine harmful gender norms that prevent both men and women from fully addressing sexual violence. Traditional norms often dictate that men must always be the aggressors, while women are the passive victims. This false dichotomy ignores the reality that sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender.
By shifting the narrative to include male victims, the training urged stakeholders to reconsider the broader cultural and societal attitudes that enable gender based violence to thrive. The workshop emphasized that combating sexual violence in Nigeria requires a multi approach that not only addresses the experiences of women and girls but also ensures that the experiences of men and boys are acknowledged and supported.
The two day training also focused on creating more inclusive and effective strategies for preventing and responding to sexual violence. Experts discussed how community based organizations and NGOs can work together to develop programs that address the needs of all victims, regardless of gender.
Awareness Campaigns raising about sexual violence against men and boys, including its signs, impacts, and available support services. These campaigns would aim to reduce the stigma that prevents male victims from speaking out and seeking help.
Inclusive Support Systems Expanding counseling and rehabilitation services to include male victims. This could involve training healthcare workers, social workers, and law enforcement officers to better understand the unique needs of men and boys affected by sexual violence.
Legal Reforms Advocating for legal reforms that recognize men and boys as potential victims of sexual violence and ensure that their cases are taken seriously by the justice system.
Community Engagement local communities to foster a more inclusive understanding of gender based violence, encouraging collective responsibility for creating safer spaces for all victims, regardless of their gender.
As emphasized during the training, NGOs and community based organizations have a critical role to play in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for policy changes. These organizations are often the first point of contact for victims of sexual violence, and they are in a unique position to create safe spaces for men and boys to speak out and receive the help they need.
By creating targeted interventions for male victims and engaging communities in dialogue about gender equality and violence prevention, these organizations can drive meaningful change. The training underscored the need for NGOs and community based organizations to collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to create a holistic approach to addressing gender based violence.
The conversations held in Ibadan represent a step toward greater inclusivity in the fight against sexual violence in Nigeria. The inclusion of men and boys as victims in the broader strategy is a critical shift that will help ensure that no one is left behind in efforts to eradicate gender based violence.
As society continues to challenge outdated gender norms and embrace a more comprehensive understanding of sexual violence, it is crucial to remember that both men and women deserve equal protection, support, and recognition. By expanding the scope of support systems and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, Nigeria can take meaningful steps toward creating a safer, more inclusive society for all.
In order to achieve lasting change, all stakeholders government, civil society, community leaders, and citizens must work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has access to the resources and care they need to heal and thrive.