Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Hayche Dev, an NGO, on Tuesday graduated the first batch of 313 young males trained as champions and advocates that support gender equality and respect for females in the country.
The 12-weeks training, known as Positive Masculinity (+M) Programme, is currently being implemented across four states – Anambra, Enugu, Benue, and Plateau States.
Speaking at the graduation held for participants of the progrmme drawn from the Nigeria Christian Corper’s Fellowship (NCCF) in Enugu, the Coordinator of Positive Masculinity (+M) Programme, Mr. Wilfred Okeke, lauded the significant strides made by the programme among its participants.
Okeke noted that the +M Programme had been instrumental in encouraging young men to rethink traditional notions of masculinity and commit to efforts aimed at curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“By targeting Christian youth organisations, we aim to engage and inspire young men who studies have shown to be the major perpetrators of gender-based violence, to adopt positive behaviours and values that support gender equality and respect for all,” he said.
He noted that +M programme structure was anchored by an Activity Implementation Guide (AIG), which comprises 22 carefully designed activities grouped into six modules meant to re-set and reorient the mindsets of young male towards females.
The programme coordinator said: “The AIG provides a step-by-step framework for facilitators to guide participants through a comprehensive and reflective learning experience that fosters lasting change.”
One of the participants, Mr Akpan Amos, noted that the +M programme has been an eye-opening for him as he feels remorseful over some of his attitude towards females.
Amos said: “The programme made me reflect on how we, as men, are shaped by society’s expectations, and it challenged me to rethink what it means to be a man.
“I have learnt to approach situations involving females and everybody with some level of empathy and understanding, and I now feel more confident in promoting gender equality within my community and group.”
It would be recalled that the Positive Masculinity (+M) Programme is designed to promote individual behaviour change, build socio-emotional skills and challenge deeply rooted negative social norms and perceptions of masculinity.
The programme primary objective is to guide adolescent boys and young men on a journey toward a more gender-equitable and gender-friendly masculine identity.
