By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel
Lawyers Alert in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, with local support from Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, has conducted a “Train the Trainers” workshop in Bauchi to strengthen advocacy for women’s rights and welfare within families.
The training, held Thursday , marks a continuation of earlier advocacy visits to traditional rulers in Ningi, Miri under Bauchi, and Toro Local Government Areas, where the Male Feminist Network received royal backing to promote men-to-men awareness against gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking at the event, the Director Legal Lawyers Alert, Bamidele A. Jacobs, told participants that the goal of the training is to equip men to become advocates and defenders of women’s rights within their domains.
Jacobs explained that men have a critical role to play in ending gender-based violence, noting that involving men as allies will make the campaign for equality and respect within families more effective.
He emphasized that “men will enjoy better lives and more stable homes when women’s rights are respected, protected, and promoted,” urging the trainees to lead by example in their communities.
On his part, the Project Coordinator at Lawyers Alert, Elvis Torkumar, encouraged the participants to step down the training to their immediate environments. He said the sustainability of the campaign depends on how effectively the participants replicate what they have learned at the grassroots.
“We expect every one of you to go back and sensitize your communities. The success of this project lies in how far you can influence other men to change their perception and attitude toward women,” he said.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator of Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, Ismail Umar, said the initiative aims to empower men with the right knowledge and mindset to support gender equality and combat GBV.
He noted that men’s participation in gender advocacy will accelerate community transformation and ensure a safer environment for women and girls.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Glory Dadi from Bauchi expressed appreciation to the organizers, saying the session opened their eyes to a new understanding of men’s responsibility in promoting women’s rights.
“We have learned that men have an important role to play in supporting women’s empowerment and protecting them from abuse. We will take this message home,” he said.