Kingdom Men Africa Network (KMEN), a Lagos, Nigeria-based ministry to men has called on governments at all levels, the church, the media, donor agencies and all other relevant bodies to embrace a "holistic from-the-root approach towards achieving gender equity and gender cooperation in Nigeria and globally.
Text of the Statement
Kingdom Men Africa Network (KMEN) joins Nigerians, and the international community, in congratulating women globally on the occasion of today's International Women's Day.
We note that the theme for this year's observance is "Be bold for Change" and acknowledge that women the world over need boldness to demand for and embrace change in every sphere of life. This covers the socio-cultural, economic and political space. In this connection, we acknowledge the wonderful work being done by many bodies, especially NGOs and para-church ministries locally and internationally.
As we stated in our statement during the last 16 Days of Activism on Gender-based Violence, the success of any pro-women action will depend largely on society's understanding of the truth that there is a 'male identity crisis". This manifests in men, women and society at large not understanding that men, like women, children and youths, have peculiar issues that require urgent and holistic attention. It is called "the Men Problem" and like every problem requires "the Men Solution". We are glad to state that ministries like ours have accepted the challenge.
In Nigeria, we note with delight the activities of Voices for Change (V4C), which has paid special attention to the place of men in the advocacy for change. They have commendably published a report titled "Being a Man in Nigeria" and worked extensively with men's ministries and groups, including KMEN. We look forward to continued cooperation and collaboration this year and beyond.
We urge governments at all levels, the church, the media, donor agencies and all other relevant bodies to take a cue from this holistic from-the-root approach towards achieving gender equity and cooperation in Nigeria and globally.
Change is desirable and it is possible; but it is not a strictly "women thing"; the masculine identity problem is at the root and the men solution will spring the trap'. Join us.
Chief Vision Steward (KMEN)
