In light of the increasing violence against women and girls and the need to protect the most vulnerable in society, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has urged men to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women and girls.
He made this appeal while hosting traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community members at a Town Hall meeting yesterday. Themed “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds,” the meeting addressed the need to curb sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence (SDGBV) and highlighted the critical role of men in safeguarding women and girls.
The chairman of the occasion, Abayomi Daramola, stressed the urgent need for improved parenting in Nigeria, urging parents to remain committed to shaping children’s character.
Keynote speaker Balogun Adekunle decried the growing influence of Western culture on the Yoruba community, attributing this to social media, which he claimed promotes harmful behaviours and undermines communal values. He emphasised that fathers must intentionally raise boys to be empathetic and supportive of women and girls.
A panel discussion on men’s roles in protecting women and girls provided further insights, particularly from religious leaders. Chief Imam of Daaru-s-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre, Shaykh AbuLabeebah Taofeeq Busari, addressed the pervasive mindset of viewing women as property, linking it to flawed upbringing. He called for early education on marriage and the proper treatment of women, urging parents to instil these values in both boys and girls.
Rejecting the notion of equality as a “50-50 deal,” Shaykh Busari insisted that “men must commit fully to the care and protection of women and girls.”
Pastor Adewara Olamilekan of The Redeemed Christian Church of God highlighted the importance of husbands showing genuine love for their wives and fostering mutual trust and support. He stressed that men must take full responsibility for raising their children and instilling proper behaviour.
Religious leaders on the panel agreed that many societal issues originate in the home and called on traditional and royal institutions to address these challenges boldly. They noted that a man’s failure to appreciate a woman often leads to broader societal problems.
The panelists urged men to exhibit greater patience, understanding, and wisdom in their interactions with women and girls. They also reached a consensus on the need for men to return to their primary roles in the home, acting as present fathers and responsible leaders.
The Oniru emphasised the significance of fatherhood, stating that many men still require guidance in fulfilling their roles. He praised the dialogue as a step towards creating a safer community and pledged continued support for such initiatives, assuring that Iruland would embrace and fund similar programmes in the future.
