More Men’s Involvement in Stamping Out Violence Against Women, Crucial’, Says Thierry Valentin

Mary Nnah

The Director of the French Institute of Nigeria, Thierry Valentin, emphasised the critical need for increased male involvement in the fight against violence toward women in the country.

He noted that addressing this societal issue effectively requires men to play a more active role in promoting gender equality and supporting efforts to eradicate violence.

Valentin further disclosed that the French embassy is very much involved in the sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence commencing on the 27th day of November.

The director made this known at an event hosted by the institute titled “Night of Ideas,” which took place at the institution in Wuse, Abuja. This engaging event showcased a dynamic array of activities, including a conference, a human library experience, a photo exhibition, film screenings, poetry readings, and musical performances.

Valentin disclosed that the event is a conscious attempt to speak on how feminist collectives are emerging and how they are organizing to advance their causes.

He said, “We want to offer a look at Nigerian women’s and feminist collectives and their struggle for women’s rights and safety in public spaces: in the face of adversity, rights violations, insecurity, and violence, how do Nigerian women create a place for themselves in society and the city? That’s the conversation.”

The Cultural Attaché to the French Embassy, Emmanuelle Harang, emphasized the existence of protective laws for women and children in Nigeria, highlighting the need for consistent implementation.

She encouraged all citizens, both men and women, to actively engage in supporting one another, fostering a community approach to prevent any form of violence and promote safety for everyone.

She said, “I think that Nigeria has the legal framework to protect men and women and to protect children as well. The question is about implementation. What do we do properly to implement the laws? It is about justice, it is about police, but it is also about citizens. How citizens take care of each other and create these safe places that we are all waiting for is important.”

Also, one of the panellists and pioneers of the feminist movement, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, expressed her displeasure about the word feminist.

She further disclosed that both males and females are victims of dysfunctional and patriarchal systems that don’t pay attention to the grooming of boys.

“I don’t like the boxes or the tags. Once you label something, then the opposite challenge comes, and we now create another group that says we are something else—that is why I don’t call myself a feminist. We want a world where there is equity and respect for all, whether you are male or female, disadvantaged or challenged; that’s how the human race can survive,” she said.