Amb. Sucex Bright Urges Redefining Masculinity for Gender Equality at Connect Her Conference
Abuja, Nigeria — At the recent Connect Her Network Conference held on Saturday Ambassador Sucex Bright, UN HeForShe Global Ambassador, delivered a compelling and thought-provoking address on the theme: “He for She: Redefining Masculinity to Support Timeless Impact.” His speech centered on the transformative power of embracing healthy masculinity as a critical pathway to creating meaningful space for female leadership and fostering sustainable societal growth across Africa.
Drawing from his engagements earlier this week at the National Council for Women Society NEC meeting and the National Women Development Center (NWDC), Ambassador Bright emphasized that his message remains unwavering and consistent across platforms: supporting women’s success—whether at home, in the workplace, politics, or local communities—does not diminish men’s roles or influence. Instead, it strengthens the very foundations upon which societies are built.
“When we actively support women to thrive, we are not losing ground. We are instead strengthening the very foundations of our society,” Ambassador Bright declared, addressing an audience comprised of passionate advocates, policymakers, and change agents committed to gender equality.
In his address, Ambassador Bright challenged traditional and often restrictive perceptions of masculinity, urging a collective shift towards a healthier, more inclusive understanding. He described healthy masculinity as one that embraces empathy, partnership, and shared responsibility—qualities that nurture female leadership and open avenues for sustained societal advancement.
He passionately stated, “We need to walk this journey not as opponents but as partners, redefining what it means to be strong by standing alongside our women and supporting them.” His call to action reflected a broader vision of unity, where strength is measured by collaboration and mutual respect rather than competition or division.
The conference also witnessed the much-anticipated launch of the Connect Her App, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to empower women by fostering connections, mentorship, and opportunities across Africa and beyond. The app aims to break down barriers, provide resources, and create a supportive ecosystem for women in various sectors including business, politics, and social advocacy.
Speaking on the app launch, organizers highlighted how the Connect Her App will serve as a vital tool for amplifying women’s voices and strengthening networks that propel female leadership and economic empowerment.
The Connect Her Network Conference, known for its dedication to uplifting women and promoting gender equality, brought together a vibrant mix of leaders, influencers, advocates, and grassroots activists. Ambassador Bright’s remarks received enthusiastic applause and underscored the indispensable role men must play in championing women’s empowerment and leadership.
The conference served as a powerful platform for sharing ideas, inspiring collective action, and reinforcing the urgency of inclusive development that involves all members of society. As Ambassador Bright’s speech highlighted, redefining masculinity is not just a social imperative but a strategic necessity for long-term growth and stability.
For those interested in viewing Ambassador Sucex Bright’s full address and learning more about the Connect Her App, visit the Connect Her Network Instagram page @focusafricaseries.
Ambassador Sucex Bright concluded his address with a powerful reminder that true progress hinges on collective effort and a reimagining of societal roles. From his perspective, the journey toward gender equality is not about competition or exclusion but about partnership and shared purpose.
He emphasized that healthy masculinity is foundational to this journey — a masculinity that supports, uplifts, and collaborates with women rather than competing against them. “Only by redefining what it means to be strong can we create lasting impact,” he noted, urging men everywhere to actively engage in empowering women at every level.
Ambassador Bright also highlighted the significance of innovative tools like the newly launched Connect Her App, describing it as a game-changer that will enable women to connect, share resources, and access opportunities on a global scale.
In his own words, “The future we seek—a future of equality, prosperity, and peace—can only be built when men and women walk this path together, united in vision and action.”
His message stands as a clarion call for society to embrace partnership, rewrite narratives, and move boldly toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
