The Lagos government has urged male residents in the state to use their masculinity positively rather than engaging in domestic and sexual violence.

Speaking through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the state advised on Saturday, during the Market Fiesta held at the Ankara Market, Balogun, Lagos Island.

“Men need to use their masculinity for something positive or not to abuse the office or the power that they have,” Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, DSVA executive secretary, said at the fiesta, with the theme, ‘Men Wey Sabi’.

Ms Vivour-Adeniyi said men should avoid what triggers violence, hence, they should participate in all affairs that keep the family going.

She said men should acknowledge, understand and appreciate marriage as a partnership, therefore, should play their roles diligently.

According to her, the agency, through its campaigns, is trying to break gender stereotypes as it encourages men to assist in house chores.

“We have realised that these issues can be triggered in the home, it can be triggered for domestic violence, it can be triggered; it can lead to break in communication, and it can also lead to physical abuse.

“So all we are saying is this, that you are doing it as a man does not make you less a man, you are doing it because you appreciate that it is a partnership, marriage is a partnership.

“We need to move from engaging men from the perpetrators’ perspective, that our men are perpetrators, we need to conscript men in this advocacy so that men can speak to themselves and let them know that it is all right to assist at home,” she said.

Ismail Uthman, the secretary, Balogun Market in Lagos Island, commended the agency for the initiative as it was welcomed by all traders.

(NAN)