They are leading powerful campaigns to address gender-based violence and human rights
International Men’s Day (November 19) is celebrated globally to honour the positive contributions men make to the world, their families and their communities. These role models are significant in raising awareness about men’s roles in promoting human well-being through interventions in various social causes.
The Nguvu Collective supports Change Leaders to champion transformative human rights and social justice initiatives. Below is a list of five Change Leaders who perfectly align with this year’s International Men’s Day theme- ‘Positive Male Role Models.’ They are redefining masculinity by using their influence to challenge oppression, uplift women, and transform communities into safer, more equitable spaces. They exemplify the true essence of allyship, proving that the journey to gender equality is paved with solidarity and requires the commitment of both men and women.
1) Itoro Usoro
This Nguvu Change Leader from Nigeria has rightfully earned his place among the true champions of gender equality through the successful campaign for the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme. This is aimed at protecting women in Nigeria from the scourge of cervical cancer. Through his dedicated efforts, Itoro has empowered over 40,000 women by facilitating free cervical cancer screenings, health education and economic support. Standing firm in his belief that ‘every woman deserves the best,’ Itoro continues to break barriers and combat injustices against women.
As highlighted by international agencies like UNICEF, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a widespread issue in Nigeria. With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, the country accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM globally. Olabode Afurewaju, a dedicated advocate for gender rights and health equity, has made significant contributions to Nguvu Collective’s Red Shoe Campaign and its fight against FGM and gender-based violence. His selfless efforts demonstrate a profound commitment to advancing social justice and creating a lasting impact in the pursuit of equality.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Women Change Leaders, Kerry Mwita Omome is a shining beacon in Kenya’s advocacy for gender equity. As incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) rise in Kenya, particularly domestic violence, sexual abuse and harmful practices like child marriage and FGM, Kerry continues to fight for a gender-equal country. He has also launched an online petition to establish a specialised GBV court in Migori County, one of the regions with a high volume of such cases. He believes that setting up such specialised courts will reduce case backlogs in mainstream courts and empower women to seek legal help fearlessly in GBV-related matters. A steadfast advocate against femicide, Kerry also amplifies survivors’ voices and tirelessly demands justice.
Dedicated to breaking barriers and challenging societal stigmas surrounding sex education, Ermiyas Males Tawes from Kenya uses art as a powerful tool for advocacy, enabling him to connect with a broader audience. As a Nguvu Change Leader, he has also launched an online petition urging authorities to include age-appropriate human sexuality education in Kenya’s curriculum. Through his advocacy for comprehensive sex education, Ermiyas also believes he is advancing an awareness of constitutional rights and policies. His efforts aim to nurture an educated, empowered and healthy youth population in Kenya.
5) Innocent Madonsela
Nguvu Change Leader, Innocent Madonsela, launched a determined campaign after witnessing the grim realities of forced marriage in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, South Africa. He was appalled by the cruel tradition of ‘Fulani nganeno,’ where a man can take a disadvantaged girl from the streets, spend the night with her, and return her to her parents the next morning. For as little as 100 ZAR, parents accept this informal, undocumented arrangement, often leaving a 10-year-old child unknowingly married to a man in his 30s or 40s. Dedicated to ending this practice, Madonsela is at the forefront of a campaign urging the Human Rights Commission to intervene urgently, investigate the issue and protect the lives of young girls in Nkomazi.