The Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI) has commenced the second year of the Male Feminist Network (MFN) South-South Nigeria Project with a strategic step-down training aimed at mobilising men and boys as partners in advancing gender equality and combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The training, scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Postgraduate Hall, West Campus, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, marks another milestone in VREI’s commitment to expanding the frontiers of positive masculinity, inclusion and social transformation across the South-South region.
The Male Feminist Network (MFN) is a national initiative implemented by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) with support from the Ford Foundation, while VREI serves as the implementing partner across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States.
Building on the successes recorded in its first year, the second phase of the project will deepen community engagement by strengthening the network of male allies and equipping more men and young people with the knowledge and skills required to challenge harmful gender norms and prevent gender-based violence.
The Federal University Otuoke training will bring together students, academics, youth leaders and other stakeholders to explore the role of men in creating safer and more inclusive communities. Discussions will focus on understanding feminism, dismantling harmful stereotypes, promoting positive masculinity, encouraging equity and fostering shared decision-making.
The event will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Promise Mebine, as Chief Host, while the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Joseph Oke Omoro, will serve as Host.
The Executive Director of VREI and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network, Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, is expected to deliver the keynote address on the vision of the initiative and the importance of engaging men as critical partners in the fight for gender justice.
Speaking ahead of the programme, Amb. Egedegbe emphasised that achieving a society free from gender-based violence requires the active participation of men.
“Ending Gender-Based Violence requires the active participation of men. Through the Male Feminist Network, we are building a movement of responsible male allies who will challenge harmful social norms, promote positive masculinity, and work alongside women to create safer homes and stronger communities,” he stated.
He added that the Federal University Otuoke engagement signals the beginning of another phase of expanding the movement across the South-South region.
The training is part of VREI’s wider strategy to strengthen the Male Feminist Network through engagements in institutions, communities, faith-based organisations and other male-focused spaces, to promote sustainable action against gender-based violence.
VREI has called on development partners, civil society organisations, students, community leaders and the media to support the initiative as stakeholders unite in building a society founded on equality, dignity, justice and respect for all.
