The Imo State Chapter of the Young Men’s Network Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (YMN-SGBV) joins the global community in commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child. As a network of young men committed to promoting positive masculinity, gender equality, peacebuilding, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, we are using this year’s commemoration to amplify this year’s theme: “Redefining Strength: Empowering Boys to Lead with Character.”
This Year’s Theme: “Redefining Strength: Empowering Boys to Lead with Character”. The event is being held on 16 day of May 2026.
The State Coordinator Young Men’s Network Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Imo State Chapter, Felxfame Omovie Enisire noted that across many communities in Imo State and Nigeria today, there is increasing concern over the decline in intentional value-based upbringing for boys and young men. Many boys are growing up without adequate mentorship on empathy, accountability, emotional intelligence, respect for women and girls, and responsible leadership. Instead, harmful social norms continue to associate masculinity with aggression, emotional suppression, dominance, control, and violence. These harmful expectations contribute to bullying, unsafe behaviors, substance abuse, violence, and unhealthy relationships among young people.
“Recent findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) continue to highlight the persistence of violence and harmful gender norms affecting women, girls, families, and communities across Nigeria. According to the report, among women who have ever been married or had an intimate partner, 23% have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence committed by their current or most recent husband or partner. The report further shows that 19% experienced emotional violence, 13% experienced physical violence, and 4% experienced sexual violence (National Population Commission (NPC) [Nigeria] and ICF, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2024 Summary Report, Abuja, Nigeria, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: NPC and ICF, 2025). While Nigeria has made increasing efforts through policy reforms, advocacy, and community-based interventions to address sexual and gender-based violence, these figures show that violence and harmful gender norms remain significant challenges requiring sustained action and stronger investment in positive masculinity, prevention, and male engagement initiatives across Imo State and Nigeria”.
“Nigeria’s policy frameworks also recognize the critical role of boys and men in advancing gender equality and social transformation. The Federal Government of Nigeria’s National Gender Policy emphasizes the need to “promote regular sensitisation of boys, girls, men and women on the benefits of gender sensitivity and equality” (Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, National Gender Policy, Abuja, 2021). The policy further recognizes men and boys as strategic partners in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting inclusive development. Similarly, the National Policy on the Health and Development of Adolescents and Young People in Nigeria calls for the creation of “a safe and supportive environment” that enables adolescents and young people to achieve healthy development, dignity, participation, and wellbeing (Federal Ministry of Health, National Policy on the Health and Development of Adolescents and Young People in Nigeria, Revised Edition, Abuja, 2019)”.
“This year’s theme strongly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Achieving gender equality requires boys and young men in Imo State and Nigeria to become active allies in promoting mutual respect, preventing violence, and supporting equal opportunities for women and girls. Likewise, investing in the emotional wellbeing, social development, and leadership capacity of boys contributes significantly to reducing inequalities and building safer and more inclusive communities”.
“As a youth-led network, YMN-SGBV remains committed to influencing a new generation of boys and young men across Imo State and Nigeria to become positive role models within their schools, campuses, communities, religious spaces, and social circles. We believe boys must not only be protected, but intentionally mentored to become responsible leaders who reject violence, uphold dignity, and promote peace and equality. Through mentorship programmes, peer education, school engagements, advocacy campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and community dialogues, our network will continue to project young men as champions of positive masculinity and agents of social transformation in Imo State and Nigeria”.
We also commend the Government of Imo State for the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2021, which represents a significant step toward strengthening the protection of women, girls, children, and vulnerable persons against all forms of violence and abuse in Imo State, Nigeria. However, beyond the existence of the law, there is an urgent need to strengthen institutional mechanisms for its effective implementation. We therefore call on the Imo State Government to establish a functional VAPP Agency or implementation structure dedicated to coordinating prevention, response, survivor support, referrals, public awareness, and enforcement efforts across Imo State. Such a structure will play a critical role in ensuring accountability, improving access to justice, and providing safe spaces and support systems for women and girls at risk of violence and abuse in Imo State, Nigeria.
“We further call on parents, educators, policymakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media to invest intentionally in raising boys who understand that strength is reflected not in aggression or dominance, but in empathy, responsibility, integrity, emotional intelligence, and respect for others. Building boys with character today is essential to building peaceful families, safer communities, and a more equitable society in Imo State and Nigeria”.
“On this International Day of the Boy Child, we reaffirm our commitment to redefining masculinity and empowering boys across Imo State and Nigeria to lead with character, courage, compassion, and purpose”.
