The four-day workshop on advancing positive masculinities, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has ended at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, with participants developing a comprehensive action plan to address child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The participants, drawn from various youth-focused and community groups, are expected to begin implementation of the activities outlined in the action plan before 31st December 2025.
Ñ
Speaking at the closing ceremony, UNFPA official Hajiya Bahijja Bello Garko reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to tackling the social challenges through the promotion of positive masculinities. She noted that the participants were selected as master trainers based on their proven track record and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver results.
Hajiya Bahijja commended the high level of dedication demonstrated throughout the training, noting that the workshop was designed to strengthen the participants’ capacity to drive youth-led advocacy in their communities. She further reminded them of the importance of cultural sensitivity in advocacy work to avoid backlash and ensure acceptance.
Also speaking, Hajiya Karima Bungudu highlighted the harmful effects of negative masculinity on societal progress, stressing the need for a deliberate effort to change attitudes and norms that enable discrimination and violence. She urged the participants to remain focused as they step down the training in their respective communities.
Resource persons Dr. Olusegun Medupin and Dr. Auwalu Hallilu facilitated sessions on activity reporting, resource mobilization, and the social consequences of toxic masculinity.
Many participants described the workshop as impactful and transformative, applauding the facilitators for their depth of knowledge, engaging delivery, and commitment to building a new generation of advocates for gender equality.