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By: Pius Dukor
As gender-based violence, inequality, injustice and obnoxious societal norms continue to threaten humanity. The Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), Amb. Edewor Egedegbe said, the Male Feminist Network is more than a project but a movement that seeks to reshape mindsets, challenge harmful norms , and promote equity , fairness and justice for all.
The Executive Director made the remark in his welcome address at the Male Feminist Network ( MFN) Training of Trainers in Uyo, the Akwa State capital.He explained that by engaging men as allies and advocates the society can break the barriers associated with male dominance that have for too long silence progress and perpetuated inequality in our space.
Egedegbe maintained that the Training of Trainers (ToT) will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and facilitation skills to cascade training to others at the grassroot noting that the message of equality , respect, and non-violence should reach every homes, institution and communities.” Let’s share experiences, unlearn, and relearn positive ways of thinking and living. The journey towards equality requires collective effort and today , we take another bold step forward” he said.
He stated that the workshop is an outcome of a research on Gender Based Violence ( GBV) so that issues of GBV will be reduced drastically to the bearest minimum.
In his Goodwill message, a member of Traditional Rulers Council, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Samuel Akpan stated that the training is very vital for participants so that they can be equip and train others.He commended the network saying that they have done well , as participants need to be effective and efficient.
” Promoting gender equality is not just a woman issue. We are building a just and equitable society. We will build a society where women will be better with their counter part” he said.
Earlier in his presentation, on Gender-Based Violence , Causes , Consequences and Prevention. Mr. Alex Okekporo lamented that out of 6,142 cases on gender based violence only 300 persons were convicted and send to correctional centre, while Comrade Peace Edem speaks on Gender, Power and Social Norm.
In his lecture on Define Feminist , Clarify Misconception, and Highlight Men’s Role in Promotng Equity and Understanding the VAPP Law and Building Participants Skills for Step-down Training” Amb. Edewor Egedegbe, the Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative ( VREI) said we should interrogate the social norms that have bedevil the society and jettison them. Some of them are female genital mutilation, widowhood practice, victimisation against women, assault among others.
” Feminist is not against men , it is against inequality ” he explained.
He stressed that the objective of the project is preventing gender based violence and promote equality and equity.
Some participants noted that gradually some of the local laws in the communities are now been adjusted after many consideration and appeal.
Highlight of the event was the panel discussion.
