The appeal was made on Monday during a one-day training for Male Feminist Network (MFN) champions held at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters in Kano.
The training, which attracted 70 participants, was organised for members of CAN in Kano, with support from the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.
CITAD also urged men across communities to actively support efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
Speaking at the event, the MFN Project Officer at CITAD, Mr Sani Sa’idu, said the initiative was designed to equip men with the knowledge and skills needed to challenge gender-based violence.
According to him, the initiative also aims to promote inclusive and respectful communities.
Sa’idu, who presented a paper titled “Gender, Feminism, Masculinities and GBV Awareness”, explained that the training was designed to build a movement of men committed to equality and the elimination of GBV.
“The aim of this training is to build a movement of men who are committed to equality, challenge harmful stereotypes, and end gender-based violence,” he said.
He added that the programme sought to empower men to become allies in the struggle for women’s rights and advocates for inclusive and safe communities.
The Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN in the state, Samaila Asake, commended CITAD for extending the initiative to faith-based organisations.
Asake noted that engaging men, particularly within religious institutions, was critical to addressing gender-based violence and fostering positive masculinity.
Similarly, the Secretary of CAN in the state, Rev. Ayuba Sabo, praised CITAD for organising the training and called for sustained collaboration to tackle social challenges.
“The church has a key role to play in promoting the values of respect, justice, and the protection of the rights of women and girls,” he said.”