Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has joined the campaign against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The celebrated actor reaffirmed his commitment to the cause after becoming a key stakeholder in the Male Feminists Network on Friday.
Speaking in Abuja, the 65-year-old urged for greater inclusion of women, particularly in governance and decision-making positions, stressing the need to promote gender equality across all sectors.
He said, “Personally, when I did a film two years ago, I had like 80 percent women in the crew. And I always say to people in my profession, if you want to have anything done in government, put a woman in charge, and you can sleep with ‘your eyes closed.’”
He also charged men not to objectify women but to treat them with respect.
“Just give respect to women and treat them like human beings. Or treat them like the way you would treat your daughter or your wife, with respect, with dignity. You know, don’t objectify them, don’t perpetrate violence. Correcting them does not mean hitting and beating them. It is easier to talk to people these days than to just use your fist.”
Speaking on the fight against GBV, RMD urged men to take responsibility for changing harmful attitudes and behaviors, insisting that ending violence against women is not a struggle women should fight alone.
“There are institutionalized and systemic ways that women’s rights are trampled upon in Nigeria, and it is not something only women can fight. We also have to lend our voices to organizations working for women’s rights and against gender-based violence,” he said.
Speaking at the event, public affairs analyst and gender advocate, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, said experience has shown that traditional rulers, influential community figures and religious leaders can play a crucial role in preventing gender-based violence.
BACKSTORY:
Gender-based violence remains a major social challenge in Nigeria, with government agencies, civil society organisations and advocacy groups continuing to push for stronger policies, increased public awareness and greater support for survivors. In recent years, stakeholders have intensified campaigns aimed at encouraging men to play a more active role in preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality.
As part of these efforts, the Male Feminists Network has been engaging influential personalities from different sectors to champion the fight against gender-based violence and advocate for the protection and empowerment of women.
Against this backdrop, veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) joined the initiative as a key stakeholder, using the platform to call for an end to violence against women while advocating greater inclusion of women in governance and other leadership positions. He stressed that achieving lasting gender equality requires the active participation and commitment of both men and women.
