RMD Takes Role As Male Empowerment Ambassador

In an effort to stop gender-based violence (GBV), veteran Nollywood actor, writer, and producer Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo, also known as RMD, has been named an ambassador for the Male Feminists Network (MFN).

The 65-year-old icon is now positioned to lead a national campaign against gender-based violence alongside other prominent ambassadors thanks to the appointment, which was made on Friday in Abuja by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).

Shortly after his inauguration, RMD made a compelling case for women’s representation in government in an interview with reporters, claiming that women bring unparalleled execution and dependability to leadership positions.

“Personally, when I did a film two years ago, I had like 80 percent women in the crew,” the veteran actor revealed. “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 both your eyes closed.”

“Just give respect to women and treat them like human beings,” RMD urged. “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.”

“There are institutionalised 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 organisations working for women’s rights and against gender-based violence. It is the way you treat your wife, your daughter or your child that others will see and emulate.”

“If you can get the Okada rider, the taxi driver, the mechanic, the vulcaniser and students on campuses, then you have started the real work. If this is sustained, we will see a reduction in gender-based violence.”

Also speaking at the event, the Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD and MFM Project Director, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, emphasised that traditional and religious leaders are becoming powerful allies in dismantling harmful patriarchal structures.

“Our work has shown that many traditional rulers can become promoters of the prevention of gender-based violence. We engage them to change the social norms that perpetuate violence against women, and the response has been encouraging,” Dr Igbuzor said.

He noted that culture is dynamic and can be reshaped through education, pointing to the steady decline of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

“When I was growing up, people believed female genital mutilation was necessary during childbirth. Today, we know it is a myth, and the practice has become a crime. That shows culture can change,” Igbuzor added.

Presenting a comprehensive project overview, the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at Centre LSD, Dr. Victoria Oseyande Udoh, revealed that the initiative has grown into a formidable national movement across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The project, titled “Core Support for Building a Network of Male Feminists to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria,” was launched in April 2025 with a target of training 1,000 male leaders. Remarkably, within a year, the network achieved a massive national footprint, directly reaching 11,721 participants.

“The combination of community-based engagements and digital learning enabled the project to achieve both scale and depth, creating one of Nigeria’s largest organised networks of male advocates against Gender-Based Violence,” Udoh stated.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to RMD on his appointment as the Male Feminist Ambassador. This recognition reflects his commitment to promoting gender equality and advocating for positive change.

We are confident that his leadership and dedication will inspire many and contribute significantly to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Wishing him all the success in this meaningful role!