Training of Trainers for Male Feminist Network (MFN) South East Zone

Day 1

The Training of Trainers (ToT) for the Male Feminist Network (MFN) – South East Zone, organized by NEW Foundation in partnership with African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development and sponsored by the Ford Foundation, brought together two CSO’s each from Abia, Imo, Enugu and Anambra State,   where the MFN project is being implemented.

The session began on a high note as Dr. John Otu, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of NEW Foundation, delivered the opening remark and officially declared the training open. Setting the tone for the day, Oru Chinelo, Program Manager of NEW Foundation, moderated the session and gave participants an insightful introduction to the MFN project.

Building on that momentum, Dr. Kelechi Okezie, Executive Director of NEW Foundation, provided a comprehensive overview of the Male Feminist Network, warmly welcomed trainers from across the Southeast, and facilitated the first session of the training. His session unpacked the vision behind MFN — men taking a stand against gender-based violence and advocating for equal leadership opportunities for all genders.

The learning continued with Dr. Okoro Chukwuemeka, a certified Male Feminist Trainer, who took participants through the remaining modules in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

Through deep discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored the true meaning of feminism, the cultural and systemic roots of gender inequality, and the myths that have long distorted the concept.

It was a day of mind-shifts, honest reflection, and renewed commitment — a collective step toward building a network of informed and intentional male allies for gender justice.

???? “Before, I used to think feminism was only about women fighting aggressively for their rights, but now I understand that everyone who fights for humanity is a feminist.” — Emmanuel Ogbu, participant

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