The second edition of townhall meeting for men organised by the Nigeria’s only female-centric radio station Women Radio, WFM under the theme “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds- The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls’, has been moved to Sagamu town of Ogun State
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that the maiden edition was held on Tuesday April 15, 2025 at Alake Palace which was hosted by Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and recorded successful impact.
The train of the next edition is scheduled to hold at Akarigbo palace Sagamu on Tuesday April 22 2025 to be hosted by Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland Oba(Dr) Babatunde Ajayi with participants to have breakfast with the traditional as kick off of the event
Penpushing further reports that a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of the station, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya said all adequate preparations have been put in place, for the programme which is the first to be conducted in Nigeria
‘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 also 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.
Penpushing reports that the statement explained that the event coming at Akarigbo 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.
‘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 further 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 also 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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