The BoysLivesMatter Foundation has called for urgent, solution-driven measures to address gender-based violence in Nigeria, following the recent Uzoro incident involving the alleged sexual harassment of women during a public festival.
In a press statement issued in Lagos, the Foundation, through its Team Lead, Nkechi Macaulay, condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and indicative of deeper systemic challenges within communities.
“While we condemn what happened, we must move beyond outrage and begin to address the root causes. The continuous rise in gender-based violence points to clear gaps in education and engagement,” Macaulay stated.
The organisation identified key drivers of the problem, including the lack of comprehensive sex education for boys and insufficient male involvement in prevention efforts. Drawing from its experience in schools and communities, the Foundation noted that many boys lack a proper understanding of consent and the consequences of sexual violence.
It therefore advocated for the introduction of targeted sex education in secondary schools, with a focus on consent, responsibility, and respect.
“The conversation on gender-based violence cannot exclude men. Sustainable change will only happen when men are actively involved as part of the solution,” the statement added.
Referencing the Uzoro incident, the Foundation also urged stakeholders to critically examine cultural practices that may enable harmful behavior, while promoting community-level dialogue aimed at protecting women.
“This is the time to engage men across local government areas, states, and national platforms. High-level male engagement is critical to building safer communities,” the statement noted.
The Foundation further warned against approaches that stigmatise men, describing such strategies as counterproductive. Instead, it called for inclusive, respectful, and solution-oriented interventions to effectively tackle gender-based violence across the country.
