Participants at the Men’s Round Table Discussion convened by International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Uyo branch have proffered remedies to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence in the society.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the discussion held at Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) secretariat, Uyo branch on the theme: ‘Engaging Men as Allies,’ the 25 participants drawn from different walks of life acknowledged their role as essential allies in the fight against violence.
The men unanimously agreed that all forms of violence are unacceptable, intolerable, harmful and unlawful.
To address the scourge of violence, the participants recommended establishment of a Ministry for Men’s Development, early childhood training, intentional parenting practices, development of emotional intelligence, counseling, including the establishment of primary counseling groups.
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Other recommendations included behavioural transformation through intervention programmes, promotion of healthy relationships with private spaces for intimacy, professional therapeutic interventions, stakeholders collaboration and mapping, engaging the younger generations to promote awareness, enhanced communication skills, respectful relationships with in-laws.
Inclusion of sexual abuse education in school curricula, mutual respect between partners, government support for research initiatives, increased budgetary allocation for gender based violence and integration of religious education in combating violence were also remedies for the gender-based violence.
However, the participants identified the root causes of gender based violence to include uncontrolled provocation, lack of self-respect, ignorance of legal consequences, financial frustrations, desire for total control in relationships, disregard for love and honor, erectile dysfunction leading to disrespect, economic disparities.
They also mentioned children outside of wedlock, lack of accountability, inappropriate behaviors or approach to issues, peer group influences, low moral standards, financial deprivation and separation from families.
However, the men agreed that gender-based violence can lead to death, negative impacts on children, dysfunctional homes, increased incarceration rates, accidents and injuries, reduced productivity, emotional and psychological trauma.
They equally mentioned mental health issues, substance abuse, conflict and communal crises, isolation and loneliness, divorce, stigmatization and stereotyping as attributes of gender-based violence.
The communique was signed by Mrs. Iquo Abia, FIDA Chairperson, Uyo branch and Aver Aniekeme Ishoribo-Uwah, Chairperson, Local Organising Committee.
Earlier, the chairman of the event, Dr. Amanim Akpabio, a senior lecturer in the University of Uyo and a gender activist, had enjoined FIDA and other organizations to see men as collaborators and to intelligently integrate men in the struggle for the advancement of women’s rights.
