Non-Governmental Organisation, Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) has called on the Federal Government to establish Nigeria’s first Ministry of Men Affairs, to address men’s urgent needs.
LAAF’s President, Ms Halima Layeni, in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the establishment of the ministry would advance gender equality.
Layeni said that the ministry would ensure that men received the same level of support, opportunities and empowerment that had been long afforded to other demographics.
She described the initiative as not merely an administrative reform, but a fundamental step toward rectifying the persistent neglect of men’s unique challenges in the society.
According to her, men in Nigeria are grappling with a host of severe and often overlooked issues, as they are victims of violence, including domestic abuse and assault, which remain starkly underreported due to entrenched societal stigmas.
She said that men also endured alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide, exacerbated by societal expectations and a conspicuous lack of targeted support.
The LAAF President said that economic instability further aggravated these challenges, with many men deprived of crucial opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.
She said that cultural norms often prevented men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence.
According to her, in spite these severe struggles; men continue to fulfill their roles as providers; breadwinners; husbands; and fathers, often shouldering these burdens with silent fortitude.
She said that to address these critical issues, the establishment of a Ministry of Men Affairs should focus on five key areas.
“Firstly, improving health outcomes for men is essential; this involves creating dedicated services to tackle the silent crisis of mental health; promoting tailored healthcare initiatives and educational programmes designed specifically for men.
“Secondly, addressing violence against men requires the creation of robust mechanisms for reporting and support, ensuring that male victims of violence receive the necessary protection and justice.
“Thirdly, enhancing economic stability is crucial; this entails developing targeted opportunities for skill enhancement; entrepreneurship; and career advancement; thereby improving economic prospects for men.
“Fourthly, reducing suicide rates among men demands the implementation of comprehensive programmes that provide crisis intervention and support, directly targeting the high incidence of suicide in this demographic.
“Lastly, strengthening family dynamics by providing support for men in their family roles will foster social stability and help mitigate issues related to family breakdown and domestic violence,” Layeni said.
She said that empowered men were more capable of contributing positively to society, thereby, benefiting their families, communities and the national economy.
The LAAF President said that existing governmental agencies address aspects of men’s issues, but fall short due to stigma and a lack of specialised focus.
According to her, a dedicated ministry will bridge these gaps, offering targeted support and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
She said that men’s pivotal roles as breadwinners and community builders were invaluable, hence, essential to recognise and support these contributions equitably.
“Mr President, I believe the establishment of the Ministry of Men Affairs will position your administration as a vanguard in the pursuit of true gender equality and social justice.
“It will be a defining achievement; underscoring your commitment to comprehensive and inclusive governance. This initiative will not only promote a healthier and more productive society, but, also contribute significantly to social stability and economic productivity.
“I hereby call upon your esteemed office to take the following immediate actions: Approve and establish the Ministry of Men Affairs and the allocation of resources and appointment of key personnel to initiate the ministry’s activities.
“Allocate resources to develop and implement health programmes specifically for men, mirroring support initiatives for other demographics to reduce stigma and provide essential services.
“Develop and support policies and programmes for empowering boys and men, including vocational training; educational opportunities; and employment initiatives, to ensure gender parity in opportunities and growth,” Layeni said.
She said that the creation of the ministry would be a transformative legacy of the current administration, as it would ensure that men, constituting half of the country’s population, receive the support and opportunities essential for their well-being and prosperity.
According to her, this bold action will be remembered as a significant and enduring contribution to gender equality and social justice in Nigeria.