UNICAL center calls for renaming of Women Affairs Ministry

The Centre for Gender Development (CGD) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has urged the federal government to take steps to rename the Ministry of Women Affairs to the Ministry of Gender Mainstreaming.

This suggestion comes in light of the celebration of International Men’s Day, observed on November 19, which aims to highlight various challenges faced by men, including abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence.

The Centre, which specialises in gender issues, hosted the inaugural International Men’s Day event themed “Men’s Health Champion,” reaffirming its dedication to combating gender-based violence and advocating for gender equality.

Dr. Brenda Akpan, Executive Director of the Centre, noted that this observance is a time to recognise the lives, achievements, and contributions of boys and men, particularly in relation to their roles in nation-building, society, and family life.

She expressed the Centre’s intention to celebrate Men’s Day annually with a focus on men’s health and well-being in various aspects: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

The chairman at the occasion, Prof. Uche Amalu, a former DVC academic of the university, in his introductory remarks urged men to always love themselves, work, and rest so that they can live longer and advised that men also need to be given attention.

The event featured a presentation by Prof. Rowland Ndoma Egba, who discussed “The 21st Century Men’s Approaches to Stress Management.”

He described stress as an ‘invisible disease’ and outlined its primary causes and effects.

In a goodwill message, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, acknowledged that while considerable attention has been directed towards empowering girls and women, boys and men have often been overlooked.

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