Stakeholders issue out communique to protect women in family disputes

Stakeholders comprising men have called on security agencies to allow the law takes its full course on issues of matrimonial abuse, and should not be treated with levity on the erroneously believe that such is a family dispute.

Penpushing reports that this was part of resolution at a one-day town hall meeting with the custodians of culture on the role of men in protecting women and girls, organized by the Women F.M Radio, held at Alake Palace in Abeokuta.

The first ever men town hall meeting in the country with the theme, ’Strengthening Family and Community Bonds was hosted by Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

Penpushing further reports that the programme which was the initiative of Women Radio 91.7F.M and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, was transmitted live globally by Penpushing Media.

The well attended event recorded presence of both religious leaders, Non-Governmental Organisations, Chiefs, community leaders  as well as number of groups, all of them comprising men within and outside Abeokuta

Penpushing also reports that the other resolution in the 8-point communique added that before any chieftaincy is bestowed on any man, he must have been identified to have empower woman/women in the community.

The recommendations encouraged faith leaders to routinely speak on issues of family during sermons and community meetings, and that a man who cannot protect his wives and daughters shouldn’t give birth

Penpushing reports that the communique pointed out that it is mandatory to take care of women and girls, while cultural values should be passed on our sons and men on respecting women.

The meeting equally called for need to organize another edition of Abeokuta townhall meeting that will have more of youth leaders and youths, and establish that will have women to resolve family disputes /issues

Penpushing further reports that Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in his royal address, condemned violence against women, stating that only a weak man would resort to beating his wife.

The first-class traditional ruler emphasized that while God appointed men as leaders, they must embody patience and integrity in their roles, stressing that men who fail to uphold these values due to poor character lead dishonourable lives, undermining both their dignity and societal harmony.

Penpushing also reports that he reinforced the cultural responsibility of men in shaping a just society: “As custodians of tradition, we must lead by example, adding that the strength of a nation lies in how it treats its women and girls.

‘Today, we reaffirm our commitment to using our influence to end gender-based violence, promote education for the girl child, and ensure that our cultural practices align with justice and equity. Let this gathering be a turning point for all Egba men to stand as protectors and advocates for peace” he said.

Penpushing reports that, the chairman of the townhall meeting Professor Afolabi Soyode while setting the context for the dialogue said the gathering was not just a meeting but a clarion call for men to reclaim their rightful role as protectors and promoters of peace.

‘Egba men must cultivate patience, attentiveness, and moral integrity, prioritizing the creation of harmonious households. Young men, in particular, should be instilled with the virtue of respect because the foundation of a thriving society is rooted in the values nurtured within the home’, he added.

Penpushing further reports that in his keynote address Professor Ajao Adelekan said that societies that empower women experience faster economic growth, better health outcomes, and lasting peace.

The Professor emphasized the importance of addressing societal issues rooted in the behaviour of men, highlighted the ongoing changes in society and stressed the need to critically examine why women are often denied protection.

Penpushing reports that he pointed out that men must show women the respect they deserve, recognize their shared humanity, and actively work to foster peace in society, adding that women should be empowered to voice their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to societal progress.

The speaker in same vein called for an end to domestic violence against women, underscoring its role in perpetuating inequality and harm.

Penpushing further reports that Venerable Balogun of the Cathedral of St James African church Idi Ape in his contributions stressed that the church must preach not just salvation but social justice, noting that men who claim to love God must first love their neighbours, especially the vulnerable by standing against abuse and inequality.

The General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church(VLBC) Apostle Lawrence Achudum called on the custodians of our cultures to organize more townhall meetings that actively involve youth leaders.

The Islamic cleric at the meeting Sheikh Abdul Jemeel Olorunseyi, who is Chief Imam of Obantoko explained that Islam teaches that the best among men is those who treat women with kindness, stressing that it is a duty as Muslim leaders to amplify these teachings in mosques and homes.

Penpushing also reports that Chairman, CDC Abeokuta South was of the views that local governance must prioritize women’s safety, adding that the body is committed to working with community watch groups to ensure swift responses to violence and harassment.

The former Commissioner of Police in Ogun state Edward Ajogun rtd, addressed the importance of protecting women while emphasizing the need for families to raise boys to respect women, while stating that security agencies don’t condone violence against women.

Penpushing reports that Ambassador Richards Adejola, in his remarks, explained that men, still have a long way to go in protecting women, adding that society must rise to make safeguarding women and girls a collective responsibility, starting within the family.

The Ambassador emphasized that men must not be absent in their homes;  adding that their active presence and engagement are foundational to building a safer, more equitable society

Penpushing further reports that Chairman of Women Radio 91.7fm Dr. Babatunde Okewale, reinforced the event’s core message: “Our forefathers-built communities on respect, discipline, and the protection of the family unit.

The Chairman, however, noted that somewhere along the line, we have allowed harmful practices to take root, stressing that as men, we must ask: How do we restore dignity to the family? How do we reject violence and create safer spaces for our wives, mothers, daughters, and girls? The answer lies in our collective action today.”

Penpushing also reports that a veteran broadcaster Ambrose Somide urged every Egba man to take a stand to not pass on harmful norms that hurt women and girls, stating that traditional institutions should help by ending the practice of honoring men who abuse or perpetrate violence against women with traditional titles, rather such individuals should be condemned, and any titles they hold should be revoked

Meanwhile, the Tuesday townhall gathering marked a pivotal moment in the collective effort to redefine the role of men in building safer, more equitable communities, and featured a dynamic panel of esteemed leaders who explored the intersection of culture, faith, and governance in advancing gender justice

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