Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has added his voice to the campaign against gender-based violence (GBV), urging Nigerian men to reject violence and treat women with dignity and respect.The award-winning actor made the appeal in Abuja after becoming a key stakeholder in the Male Feminists Network, a group that advocates for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights.RMD Urges Men to Respect WomenSpeaking during the event, the 65-year-old actor stressed that women deserve equal respect and should never be subjected to violence or abuse.According to RMD, disagreements should be resolved through communication rather than physical aggression. He encouraged men to treat women with the same dignity they would extend to members of their own families.He emphasized that correcting or disagreeing with someone should never involve hitting or beating them.Calls for Greater Inclusion of WomenRMD also advocated for increased female representation, particularly in leadership and government.Reflecting on his experience in the film industry, he revealed that approximately 80 percent of the crew on one of his productions two years ago were women.He expressed confidence in women’s leadership abilities, saying they have consistently demonstrated competence and commitment when given opportunities.Ending GBV Requires Men’s ParticipationThe Nollywood star noted that addressing gender-based violence should not be viewed as a responsibility for women alone.He said men must actively challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours while supporting initiatives and organisations working to protect women’s rights and eliminate violence.According to RMD, systemic discrimination against women remains a significant challenge in Nigeria and requires collective action from all members of society.Expert Highlights Role of Community LeadersAlso speaking on the issue, public affairs analyst and gender advocate Dr. Otive Igbuzor said traditional rulers, respected public figures, and religious leaders can play a vital role in preventing gender-based violence.He noted that influential voices within communities can help promote positive values, encourage respect for women, and discourage abusive behaviour.ConclusionRMD’s message reinforces the growing call for stronger efforts to combat gender-based violence in Nigeria. By urging men to respect women, reject violence, and support gender equality, the veteran actor highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safer and more inclusive society.
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