The Nigeria’s only female-centric radio station Women Radio, WFM 91.7FM, has concluded arrangements to organize a high-impact Townhall Meeting under the theme “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds- The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls’, scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Penpushing reports that a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of the station, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya said the event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and to be hosted by Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
The statement explained that the event coming at Adire Hall of Alake palace is set to convene only men who are custodians of culture including traditional rulers, faith leaders, policymakers, community chairmen, corporate leaders, and other male stakeholders in a crucial dialogue on male accountability, family cohesion, and collective protection of women and girls.
‘Nigeria, like many societies, struggle with deep-rooted gender disparities, where women and girls face systemic vulnerabilities from domestic violence to limited access to opportunities’, the statement reads.
Penpushing further reports that Okewale-Sonaiya pointed out that while advocacy for women’s rights has grown, the critical role of men as allies, protectors, and change agents remains underexplored in mainstream discourse, and underscores the urgency.
‘We cannot achieve a peaceful and safe community by speaking only to women. Men as fathers, brothers, sons, leaders, and partners must be active participants in this movement’, she emphasised.
‘True protection is not controlled. It is respect, and advocacy with shared responsibility in shifting mindsets, strengthening families, and building communities where women and girls are safe, valued and men duly respected’, Okewale-Sonaiya added.
‘We know that men listen to men and boys are influenced by male elders in their community. We are deeply honoured and grateful that the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland HRM Ọba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III for leading this conversation”, she stated
Penpushing also reports that the female vibrant radio broadcaster stated that the townhall meeting will address pressing questions including mobilising men as advocates, not adversaries, leveraging cultural and traditional frameworks to reinforce positive masculinity and institutionalising community systems to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination.
‘Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and policy roundtables, the event will explore actionable strategies, including engaging boys in early education to protect girls, healthy relationships, strengthening community-based protection systems through traditional institutions and corporate and governmental policies that incentivize male allyship in workplaces and homes’.
Penpushing reports that she said this meeting marks the beginning of a sustained movement to engage custodians of culture as partners in moving Nigeria closer to a place where women and girls move freely without fear, where families thrive on mutual respect; where communities unite in safeguarding the rights and dignity of all.
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