Redefining Masculinity: Reflections from the West Africa Convening on Positive Masculinity and Ending GBV
Introduction: A Regional Call to Rethink Manhood
Imagine telling a river that it must flow in only one direction, no bends, no curves, no meandering, no change. This is how masculinity has been defined by society. For generations, society has tried to force men into a narrow, unforgiving channel. Men were given a script like actors in a movie set: be strong, never cry, provide, control, conquer. Like damming a river, they were robbed of their ability to nourish, to heal, to adapt, and to truly be human.
But even rivers overflow eventually. And so do men.
On June 19, 2025, just a day after Father’s Day, over 400 participants from across West Africa gathered in Abuja and online to challenge one of society’s most deep-rooted concepts: masculinity. Convened by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation, the West Africa Regional Convening on Positive Masculinity and Ending GBV brought together civil society actors, traditional and faith leaders, youth, development practitioners, and the media in an effort to dismantle harmful gender norms and reimagine masculinity for a more just and equal society.
Timed deliberately to reflect on the roles of men in families and communities, the event was not just symbolic; it was transformational.
Across two dynamic panel discussions, keynote speeches, and cultural performances, the convening explored how masculinity is shaped and can be reshaped by power, culture, faith, and education. Some key takeaways included:
- Masculinity is not a biological destiny it is socially constructed and can be transformed.
- Harmful norms hurt everyone, including men and boys, by reinforcing emotional suppression, control, and violence.
- Faith and traditional leaders are critical change agents, able to influence communities by modelling care, fairness, and inclusion.
- Positive masculinity prioritises empathy, accountability, and shared responsibility, not domination.
- Change must begin early through education, media reform, and youth engagement.
Regional Voices and Unique Stories
From the opening speech by Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, to the personal testimonies of participants, the convening made space for a spectrum of perspectives. Mamedu’s reflection on being taught not to cook as a child spoke to how early socialisation shapes ideas about gender roles.
His Royal Majesty, King Mark McLean, shared how ActionAid’s work shifted his understanding of gender-based violence, noting that men, too, are victims, but are often silenced by stigma. His reflection amplifies the impact of the work we do at ActionAid Nigeria. His Royal Highness, Alhaji Garuba Haruna, boldly affirmed that cooking and domestic work are not gender-bound.
Young people and women with disabilities also took the floor. A young woman in a wheelchair challenged traditional leaders to speak up for disabled persons, pointing out the layers of exclusion women like her face. Her plea affirmed the importance of intersectionality.
Powerful Moments: Culture, Media, and Faith in Dialogue
One of the most striking moments came during the keynote address by Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Director of Pan-African and New Power Advocacy. Drawing on groundbreaking research like Being a Man in Nigeria, Dr. Abdu unpacked how masculinity is enforced by culture, media, religion, and institutions and how it can be unlearned.
He reminded participants that “what is socially constructed can be socially deconstructed,” offering hope grounded in examples from across the continent: youth clubs in Northern Nigeria, faith-based reforms in Monrovia, and media campaigns in Accra.
Two robust panel sessions pushed the dialogue forward. Speakers like Lolo One, Rufai Oseni, Dr. Patience Ekeoba, and John Nkaw broke down media narratives, faith teachings, and education systems that perpetuate gender inequality and offered alternatives. One standout idea: a 13-week radio series on positive masculinity, proposed by Oseni, with support from local stations.
Panellists stressed the role of mentorship, community dialogue, and policy advocacy in changing the script. Their message is that systemic problems require collective, cross-sectoral solutions.
What’s Next for the Movement?
The convening was not an endpoint but a beginning. Participants collectively called for:
- Curriculum Reform: Partner with education ministries to embed gender-transformative values in school systems.
- Media Collaboration: Use media to educate, shift narratives, and spotlight allyship.
- Mentorship and Safe Spaces: Build environments where boys can express vulnerability and learn from male role models.
- Faith and Tradition: Equip spiritual and cultural leaders to champion gender justice.
- Funding and Research: Secure long-term investments and continue gathering data to inform practice.
These are not isolated tasks; they form a roadmap for a regional movement, transcending borders and sectors.
Join the Conversation: Spark Local Dialogues
The next phase is for you to join us in spreading this message about positive masculinity, and standing against all forms of gender-based violence. Every home, classroom, newsroom, and faith space is a site of transformation. Whether you're a teacher, parent, imam, student, journalist, or community leader, you have a role to play in shaping how the future generation defines masculinity. Begin the conversations. Ask hard questions. Create room for vulnerability. Challenge the stereotypes passed down.
This is your invitation to host dialogues, launch school clubs, pitch media stories, write sermons, and build mentorship programs. Positive masculinity begins with you.