By Lilian U. Okoro
The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), an NGO, has decried United Nation’s systemic gender bias against men while urging it to commit more to promoting gender equality and recognitions for men.
The Founder and President of the Foundation, Ms Halima Layeni, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Layeni, who referenced UN’s disposition to Father’s Day, men and their contributions in society said the UN has never acknowledged the importance of celebrating men and their contributions to society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognise the contribution that fathers and father figures make to the lives of their families.
Although Father’s Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this day which celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on the third Sunday in June.
Layeni said that the UN proclaims its commitment to gender equality, yet it hypocritically ignores the unseen sacrifices of fathers, husbands, and sons.
According to her, UN claims to champion the rights of the marginalized, but men are seemingly invisible to it.
She added the Organisation’s silence was deafening, as it perpetuates a harmful narrative that men were not worthy of recognition or celebration.
She said that this not only harms men but also had far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and society as a whole.
“Despite United Nation’s lofty pledges to achieve a just and equal world, it has consistently ignored days dedicated to celebrating men.
“This blatant disregard for half of the global population is a stark reminder of the systemic gender bias that pervades your institution.
“You celebrate numerous days dedicated to women, including: International Women’s Day (March 8), International Girls’ Day (October 11), International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Women’s History Month (March), International Women’s Day of Peace and Disarmament (May 24).
“These celebrations are important and necessary, but they also highlight the stark contrast in recognition and celebration of men”, Layeni said.
She said that there were no UN-recognised days dedicated to celebrating men or boys, a disparity that perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes and discrimination.
She said that this omission reinforced harmful gender stereotypes, limiting men’s ability to express emotions, seek help, and pursue non-traditional roles.
She added that it also neglected the unique challenges men faced, including higher rates of suicide, homelessness, and incarceration.
“Therefore, I demand accountability from the United Nations. It is time for you to acknowledge the importance of celebrating men and their contributions.
“It is time for you to recognise the value of fathers, the impact of positive male role models, and the sacrifices men make for their families and communities”, she said.
Layeni expressed optimism that there would be a response and a plan of action by UN to address the issue.
According to her, the world is watching, and men deserve better, saying it is time for the United Nations to practice what it preaches and truly champion gender equality for all.
“Your failure to act will have far-reaching consequences.
“It will perpetuate a world where men are marginalised, boys are disenfranchised, and families suffer.
“It will undermine your credibility and legitimacy; it will show the world that your commitments to gender equality are nothing more than empty promises”, she said. (NAN)
