Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has thrown his weight behind efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria after becoming a key stakeholder in the Male Feminists Network.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Friday, the 65-year-old actor called for greater inclusion of women, particularly in leadership and government positions.
“Personally, when I did a film two years ago, I had like 80 percent women in the crew. And I always say to people in my profession, if you want to have anything done in government, put a woman in charge, and you can sleep with ‘your eyes closed,’” he said.
Prompt News reports RMD also urged men to treat women with dignity and reject all forms of violence against them.
“Just give respect to women and treat them like human beings. Or treat them like the way you would treat your daughter or your wife, with respect, with dignity. You know, don’t objectify them, don’t perpetrate violence. Correcting them does not mean hitting and beating them. It is easier to talk to people these days than to just use your fist,” he stated.
Addressing the broader issue of gender-based violence, the actor stressed that men must take responsibility for challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes, noting that protecting women’s rights should not be left to women alone.
“There are institutionalized and systemic ways that women’s rights are trampled upon in Nigeria, and it is not something only women can fight. We also have to lend our voices to organizations working for women’s rights and against gender-based violence,” he added.
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Also speaking at the event, public affairs analyst and gender advocate Dr Otive Igbuzor said traditional rulers, influential personalities and religious leaders have an important role to play in preventing gender-based violence, adding that experience has shown they can be effective allies in promoting change.
