In its efforts to fostering safer communities and reshaping societal norms, Women Radio 91.7FM, Nigeria’s only female-centric radio station, has announced a high-profile Townhall Meeting to be hosted at the historic Alake Palace in Abeokuta, Egbaland.
In a statement signed by Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 91.7FM, the event is set to take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, is being organised with the theme, “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds – The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls.”
The Townhall, a men-only gathering, will bring together influential male leaders, including traditional rulers, faith leaders, policymakers, community chairmen, corporate leaders, and other key stakeholders. They will engage in critical dialogue surrounding male accountability, family cohesion, and the collective responsibility of men in protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination.
HRM Ọba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, is set to host the event, making it a landmark occasion in the drive to engage men as allies in advocating for the safety and rights of women and girls.
Sonaiya emphasized the importance of male involvement in the conversation: “We cannot achieve a peaceful and safe community by speaking only to women. Men, as fathers, brothers, sons, leaders, and partners, must be active participants in this movement. True protection is not control, but respect. This Townhall is a step towards shifting mindsets and building communities where women and girls are safe, valued, and respected.”
Nigeria, like many countries, continues to face deep-rooted gender disparities, where women and girls often experience systemic vulnerabilities, including domestic violence and limited opportunities. Although advocacy for women’s rights has increased, the role of men as protectors and change agents remains largely unexplored in mainstream discourse.
The Townhall will address key issues such as mobilizing men as advocates, leveraging cultural frameworks to promote positive masculinity, and developing systems to protect women and girls. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and policy roundtables, offering actionable strategies to engage boys in early education about protecting girls, promote healthy relationships, and strengthen community-based protection systems through traditional and corporate frameworks.
This initiative marks the beginning of a sustained movement aimed at engaging male cultural custodians in Nigeria’s journey towards a society where women and girls can move freely without fear, where families thrive on mutual respect, and where communities unite to safeguard the rights and dignity of all.