Bayelsa State, Nigeria, January 15, 2026. The Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (Zone 16) and with support from the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), has convened a high-level Town Hall Meeting on Male Feminism and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention at the Nigeria Police Officers’ Mess, Bayelsa State Command.
The event brought together 82 stakeholders, including police officers, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil society practitioners, media professionals, and male allies, to advance inclusive strategies that engage men as key partners in promoting gender equality and preventing GBV.
Speaking at the event, participants highlighted the urgent need to address Nigeria’s high levels of GBV, driven by entrenched patriarchy, harmful social norms, weak enforcement of laws, and rising insecurity. The forum also examined the challenges faced by women, particularly female police officers, including discrimination, sexual harassment, and limited career progression.
Participants acknowledged the important role of the Nigeria Police Force in responding to GBV through specialized units and Gender Desk Officers, while calling for strengthened implementation, increased survivor trust, and improved resource allocation.
The meeting further noted Nigeria’s decline in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, ranking 124th out of 148 countries globally, and emphasized the continued underrepresentation of women in leadership across sectors.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants adopted a set of resolutions aimed at strengthening GBV prevention and response. These include enhancing collaboration between the police and civil society organizations, advocating for the amendment of discriminatory provisions in the Police Act, engaging men as frontline advocates for gender equality, and cascading knowledge through communities and institutions.
Participants also committed to promoting a clearer understanding of feminism as a movement for equality, justice, and human rights for all, while taking community-level action to identify early warning signs, de-escalate potential violence, and provide referrals for survivors.
“We believe that meaningful change begins when men become active allies in challenging harmful norms and promoting respect, dignity, and justice for all,” said representatives of VREI at the event.
The organisers called on government agencies, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and the public to join hands in the collective effort to end GBV and build safer, more inclusive communities.