Activists Hail Rising Reports Of Male GBV Cases As Patriarchal Norms Weaken In Lagos
By JULIET EKANEM
RIGHTS activists in Lagos say growing awareness campaigns are helping dismantle long-standing patriarchal norms that have historically silenced survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), especially men. Their reactions follow new data from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which recorded 920 male GBV cases between November 2024 and November 2025.
Bose Ironsi, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), said the figures show that more men are now willing to speak out. She noted that WRAHP’s Ireti Resource Centre has also seen rising cases, with 228 men seeking help since 2020. According to her, the increase does not imply that men face more violence than women but reflects improved awareness, trust in reporting systems, and the gradual breakdown of cultural expectations that discourage men from admitting abuse.
Ironsi said the trend signals progress in ensuring GBV response systems support all survivors, regardless of gender. She called for more male-focused awareness efforts, safer reporting channels, and continuous sensitization to reinforce that GBV is not a “women-only issue.”
Similarly, Taiwo Bello, Administrator of Cute Kids Haven Foundation, described the DSVA data as evidence of a significant shift. She said the rise in reported cases suggests that more men now feel able to challenge stigma and seek help. Bello added that while encouraging, true numbers may still be higher, urging continued efforts to strengthen support systems and reduce shame around reporting.
Both activists agreed that expanding awareness and support structures remains crucial to ensuring every survivor—male or female—can safely access justice and protection.
