A broadcast journalist and boys’ advocate, Nkechi Macaulay, has stressed that meaningful progress in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) cannot be achieved without actively involving men and boys in the conversation.
Drawing from insights gained during a gender studies course, Macaulay noted that communities that intentionally engage men in discussions around GBV often record measurable reductions in such incidents.
“Communities that actively engage men in conversations on gender-based violence record real reductions,” she said. “When men are included, they understand better, and they act differently.”
She argued that approaches focused solely on women are insufficient and fail to address the broader societal dynamics driving the issue.
“We cannot solve this problem by talking only to women. That approach is incomplete,” Macaulay stated.
The advocate emphasised the need for deliberate and inclusive engagement strategies that cut across all age groups, from traditional and community leaders to young boys. According to her, sustainable change is more likely to occur through dialogue rather than blame.
“Men must be part of the conversation. From community leaders to young boys, there has to be deliberate engagement. It is through dialogue, not blame, that change happens,” she added.
Macaulay also highlighted the importance of early education, calling for values such as respect, consent, and responsibility to be instilled in boys from a young age.
“We must start early. Let boys in schools understand respect, consent, and responsibility. Shouting that men are the problem will not fix anything. Involving them will,” she said.
She concluded by urging stakeholders to adopt a more inclusive approach to addressing GBV, noting that long-term solutions must incorporate men as active participants in driving social change.
“Let’s bring men into the solution, starting with our boys,” she said. #Securitynewsalert.com
