Dr. Igbuzor Calls for Men's Active Role in Gender Equality

On October 8, 2026, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Project Director of the Male Feminists Network and founding executive director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, called on men to take active roles in challenging patriarchy and preventing gender-based violence. This charge was delivered during a two-day capacity-strengthening program for Women’s Rights Organisations in Abuja, themed “From Principles to Practice: Institutionalising Accountable Male Allyship in Women’s Rights Programming.” Igbuzor warned that male participation should enhance, not overshadow, women's leadership and stressed that genuine allyship must lead to measurable changes in behavior and power dynamics.

He cautioned against “performative allyship” and emphasized that male allies must support women’s leadership and challenge patriarchal practices. He also highlighted the need for institutions to embed gender-equitable values in their policies and practices.

Igbuzor urged Women’s Rights Organisations to define allyship roles clearly and avoid creating competing movements.