Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation, Gboko, has urged Nigerians to expose perpetrators of gender-based violence for societal growth and development.

Communication Officer of the Foundation, Akirghir Caleb, made the call on Tuesday in Akwanga during a stakeholder engagement meeting on the Male Feminists Network.

The theme of the meeting is ”Promoting Male Engagement in Support of Ending Gender-Based Violence in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau.”

The meeting was organised in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development

Mr Caleb said that exposing violators of the GBV would not only promote unity and peace but also promote development in the country.

He said that the Male Feminists Network (MFN) is a Nigerian initiative led by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development.

Mr Caleb said it is intended to recruit, train, and mobilise men to actively participate in ending gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality, supported by the Ford Foundation

He said that the network was aimed at expanding male allyship by transforming men from silent bystanders into active partners in dismantling patriarchal systems that sustain gender inequality.

The communication officer urged the men and other Nigerians to promote gender equality in the country.

He stated, ”Let’s go out to voice and speak out against GBV. Let’s change the narrative positively for unity, peace and societal development.’’

Also speaking, Akpen Manfred, the programme manager of the foundation, urged the stakeholders to educate their people against GBV.

He also urged the people to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality for the development of society.

”Let’s all protect and promote women’s rights anywhere we find ourselves.

“Don’t deny women their rights. Let’s voice and speak out for women,” he said

The programme manager called for collaboration to end GBV in the country.

”GBV will be eradicated if we join hands together to fight it,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Isaiah Ter, said the Male Feminists Network is to engage men as allies in the struggle against GBV, to dismantle harmful patriarchal norms.

Mr Ter, who was represented by Jude Maigari, Justice Development and Peace Foundation, Lafia, said that the stakeholder meeting was an invitation to a shared vision.

”A vision of a society where daughters can walk free of fear, where women’s voices are heard in decision-making.

”A place where men and women stand side by side as partners in building peace and progress,” he added

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, government officials, academicians, and motorcycle association members, among others.

(NAN)