At the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in partnership with VisionSpring Initiative and The Rose of Sharon Foundation, we successfully hosted a powerful conversation on the vital role of men in achieving gender equality. This initiative, held in celebration of International Women's Day 2025, aimed to challenge societal norms and inspire men to become active allies in the fight for gender justice.

Key Highlights & Achievements

During this impactful session, we:

✅ Challenged Cultural & Religious Barriers: Addressed the systemic limitations on women’s education and economic participation.
✅ Redefined Gender Norms: Encouraged open discussions on breaking stereotypes that hinder women's leadership and career growth.
✅ Inspired Male Advocacy: Motivated men to take intentional steps in supporting gender equality at home, in workplaces, and in communities.
✅ Highlighted Women Trailblazers: Showcased the achievements of icons like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Folorunsho Alakija, and Nnedi Okorafor, demonstrating the immense benefits of investing in women's education and leadership.
✅ Encouraged Collective Action: Reinforced that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal imperative for national and global progress.

The Reality in Nigeria

🚨 Wage Gap: Women earn 45% less than men in similar roles.
🚨 Child Marriage: 43% of girls are married before the age of 18.
🚨 Political Exclusion: Women occupy only 4.5% of seats in the National Assembly—far below the global benchmark of 30%.
🚨 Education Crisis: Over 60% of out-of-school children in Nigeria are girls, limiting their future opportunities.

Why This Matters

Gender equality is NOT just a women's issue—it’s a societal issue. If we want a stronger, more inclusive society, we must engage men as allies, role models, and changemakers. When men advocate for gender justice, they help build a world where every individual—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to thrive.

This conversation must not end here. Let’s continue challenging outdated norms, raising our voices, and taking concrete action toward a more equitable future.