International Men’s Day (November 19) is celebrated globally to honor the positive
contributions men make to the world, their families, and their communities. These role
models are significant in raising awareness about men’s roles in promoting human well–
being through interventions in various social causes.
The Nguvu Collective supports Change Leaders to champion transformative human rights
and social justice initiatives. Below is a list of five Change Leaders who perfectly align with
this year’s International Men’s Day theme- ‘Positive Male Role Models.’ They are redefining
masculinity by using their influence to challenge oppression, uplift women, and transform
communities into safer, more equitable spaces. They exemplify the true essence of allyship,
proving that the journey to gender equality is paved with solidarity and requires the
commitment of both men and women.
1) Kerry Mwita Omome
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Women Change Leaders, Kerry Mwita Omome is a
shining beacon in Kenya’s advocacy for gender equity. As incidents of gender-based violence
(GBV) rise in Kenya, particularly domestic violence, sexual abuse, and harmful practices like
child marriage and FGM, Kerry continues to fight for a gender-equal country. He has also
launched an online petition to establish a specialized GBV court in Migori County, one of the
regions with a high volume of such cases. He believes that setting up such specialized courts
will reduce case backlogs in mainstream courts and empower women to seek legal help
fearlessly in GBV-related matters. A steadfast advocate against femicide, Kerry also amplifies
survivors’ voices and tirelessly demands justice.
2) Ermiyas Males Tawes
Dedicated to breaking barriers and challenging societal stigmas surrounding sex education,
Ermiyas Males Tawes from Kenya uses art as a powerful tool for advocacy, enabling him to
connect with a broader audience. As a Nguvu Change Leader, he has also launched an online
petition urging authorities to include age-appropriate human sexuality education in Kenya’s
curriculum. Through his advocacy for comprehensive sex education, Ermiyas also believes he
is advancing an awareness of constitutional rights and policies. His efforts aim to nurture an
educated, empowered, and healthy youth population in Kenya.
3) Itoro Usoro
This Nguvu Change Leader from Nigeria has rightfully earned his place among the true
champions of gender equality through the successful campaign for the inclusion of the HPV
vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme. This is aimed at protecting women in
Nigeria from the scourge of cervical cancer. Through his dedicated efforts, Itoro has
empowered over 40,000 women by facilitating free cervical cancer screenings, health
education and economic support. Standing firm in his belief that ‘every woman deserves the
best,’ Itoro continues to break barriers and combat injustices against women.
4) Olabode Afurewaju
As highlighted by international agencies like UNICEF, female genital mutilation (FGM)
remains a widespread issue in Nigeria. With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, the country
accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM
globally. Olabode Afurewaju, a dedicated advocate for gender rights and health equity, has
made significant contributions to Nguvu Collective’s Red Shoe Campaign and its fight
against FGM and gender-based violence. His selfless efforts demonstrate a profound
commitment to advancing social justice and creating a lasting impact in the pursuit of
equality.
5) Innocent Madonsela
Nguvu Change Leader, Innocent Madonsela, launched a determined campaign after
witnessing the grim realities of forced marriage in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, South Africa. He
was appalled by the cruel tradition of ‘Fulani nganeno,’ where a man can take a
disadvantaged girl from the streets, spend the night with her, and return her to her parents
the next morning. For as little as 100 ZAR, parents accept this informal, undocumented
arrangement, often leaving a 10-year-old child unknowingly married to a man in his 30s or
40s. Dedicated to ending this practice, Madonsela is at the forefront of a campaign urging
the Human Rights Commission to intervene urgently, investigate the issue and protect the
lives of young girls in Nkomazi.
