Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, with women and girls disproportionately affected. In Nigeria, nearly 3 in 10 women experience physical violence, and 1 in 4 face sexual abuse, often perpetuated by harmful gender norms and patriarchal ideologies. This intervention-Mobilising Young Men for Change-applies a Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) approach to reshape perceptions of masculinity, promote gender equality, and foster accountability among young men aged 18–35 across urban and peri-urban communities in Nigeria. Anchored on the belief that transformative change must be community-driven, the program leverages storytelling, peer learning, and participatory dialogue to build empathy and trust. Youth champions and local influencers co-designed message content, while community dialogues and digital storytelling platforms amplified voices of positive masculinity. Through collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, the program repositioned men as allies in advancing gender justice. Preliminary outcomes demonstrate improved attitudes toward non-violence, increased bystander interventions, and stronger intergenerational collaboration for gender equity. The initiative underscores how connection, trust, and shared leadership can shift entrenched norms and drive collective action to end GBV.
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, with women and girls disproportionately affected. In Nigeria, nearly 3 in 10 women experience physical violence, and 1 in 4 face sexual abuse, often perpetuated by harmful gender norms and patriarchal ideologies. This intervention-Mobilising Young Men for Change-applies a Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) approach to reshape perceptions of masculinity, promote gender equality, and foster accountability among young men aged 18–35 across urban and peri-urban communities in Nigeria. Anchored on the belief that transformative change must be community-driven, the program leverages storytelling, peer learning, and participatory dialogue to build empathy and trust. Youth champions and local influencers co-designed message content, while community dialogues and digital storytelling platforms amplified voices of positive masculinity. Through collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, the program repositioned men as allies in advancing gender justice. Preliminary outcomes demonstrate improved attitudes toward non-violence, increased bystander interventions, and stronger intergenerational collaboration for gender equity. The initiative underscores how connection, trust, and shared leadership can shift entrenched norms and drive collective action to end GBV.
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