The Community Awareness and Development Initiative (CADI), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has conducted an advocacy and community sensitization programme aimed at promoting Positive Masculinity as a strategy to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child marriage, and other harmful traditional practices.
The engagement, held on Saturday, 20th December 2025, at the Palace of the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto State, brought together over 50 participants, including traditional rulers, religious leaders (Imams), and other influential community stakeholders from the Gagi District.
Speaking during the programme, the Executive Director of CADI, Mal. Bashiru Garba, emphasized the critical role of men and boys as agents of positive change in society. He noted that the initiative aligns with UNFPA’s mandate to promote gender equality and eliminate harmful practices through culturally responsive and community-driven approaches.
Mal. Garba explained that Positive Masculinity encourages men to adopt constructive attitudes and behaviors that promote dignity, respect, and equality, while actively rejecting violence and discrimination. He stressed that men in leadership positions have a responsibility to use their influence to protect the rights of women and children and to foster peaceful and inclusive communities.
The session was highly interactive, with participants sharing experiences and discussing practical ways of integrating positive masculinity messages into sermons, community dialogues, and local advocacy efforts. Many of the leaders pledged to cascade the messages within their communities and congregations.
In his remarks, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, commended UNFPA and CADI for the timely intervention and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote social harmony, gender equity, and family well-being. He also encouraged continuous engagement with traditional institutions to sustain positive behavioral change.
At the end of the programme, participants demonstrated improved understanding of Positive Masculinity and expressed strong commitment to championing gender-equitable norms. The initiative also strengthened collaboration between CADI, UNFPA, and traditional leadership structures, laying the groundwork for sustained community advocacy across Sokoto State.
Organizers recommended scaling up similar engagements to other districts, strengthening follow-up mechanisms, and integrating Positive Masculinity concepts into existing community, religious, and traditional platforms to ensure long-term impact.