19 August 2026 | Omasi Community, Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State
A society cannot achieve inclusive development when opportunities are determined by gender rather than ability, potential and contribution.
As part of its high-level advocacy engagements, the Male Feminists Network (MFN) visited HRM Igwe Dr. Benjamin Okeji JP of Omasi Community in Ayamelum LGA, Anambra State. The engagement was led by Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, Executive Director of NEW Foundation and MFN South-East Coordinator and Lead.
The advocacy conversation focused on the importance of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, while recognising the different and valuable roles that both men and women play in leadership and the development of society.
HRM Igwe Dr. Benjamin Okeji JP, a longstanding traditional leader and one of the early traditional leaders in Anambra State to include women in his cabinet, provided an important example of what inclusive leadership can look like in practice. His experience demonstrates how traditional institutions can create space for women to participate meaningfully in leadership and community decision-making.
The engagement emphasised a simple but important principle: what is good for a man should also be considered good for a woman. Access to opportunities, participation in decision-making, respect, dignity and the ability to contribute to society should not be restricted because of gender.
As a custodian of culture and traditional laws and a critical stakeholder in Anambra State, the traditional institution has an important role in shaping the values, expectations and practices that influence everyday life. The advocacy therefore encouraged continued leadership that promotes equal opportunities for men and women, rejects discrimination based on gender, recognises and values the contributions of women alongside those of men, and creates space for both genders to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making.
The engagement also emphasised the importance of ensuring that community practices and decisions uphold fairness, dignity and justice, while encouraging men to recognise gender equality as a shared benefit rather than a competition between genders.
The visit created an opportunity for the MFN team to learn from the Igwe’s existing experience of including women in his cabinet and to explore how such inclusive practices can continue to influence wider thinking about leadership, participation and community development.
Engaging traditional leadership is about connecting positive leadership practices with broader social change. When custodians of culture promote fairness and equal opportunity, they can help challenge discriminatory norms and create an environment where both men and women are able to contribute their full potential.
Gender equality is not about taking opportunities away from men. It is about creating a fair society where gender does not become a barrier to participation, leadership, dignity or opportunity—and where the progress of one gender contributes to the progress of all.
