The Mai Shayi Movement
The Mai Shayi spot, a place many Nigerian men visit daily, naturally emerged as a strategic point of engagement for the Mai Shayi Movement. Not because it is formal or structured, but precisely because it isn’t. It has become a third space: where Nigerian men gather after work, talk freely, negotiate ideas, and shape each other’s understanding of the world.
We saw an opportunity hidden in plain sight: What if the same spaces that shaped harmful norms could become the very places where change begins?
With support from the Embassy of Sweden, the Mai Shayi Movement brought together 15 tea sellers to become allies against GBV
WHAT WE DID
- A one-day capacity-building workshop where they learned:
- What SGBV really looks like in their communities
- How men can intervene safely and lead by example
- How their tea spots can become safe spaces
- Told their story to the world with a documentary produced at Mallam Bello’s tea spot, capturing the heartbeat of this advocacy campaign
- An advocacy event at the Sweden Embassy, connecting their grassroot voices and the diplomatic community to amplify the project impact.
RESULTS AT A GLANCE
- 15 Mai shayi trained
- 90% increase in SGBV knowledge
- 1 documentary produced and screened across multiple platforms
- 15 men made public commitments to challenge GBV
- 1 high-level advocacy event bridging grassroot voices and diplomats
- Creation of visible male role models in suburban Abuja communities
Bello’s Story of Change
“This movement gave me the courage to speak up. I now understand that silence can make the problem worse. I will continue to be an ally against SGBV.”
Those were Mallam Bello’s words at an event commemorating the progress of the movement
As of 2025, Mallam Bello shared how the movement reshaped not only his understanding of SGBV, but also his sense of responsibility within his community. Mallam Bello was troubled by the violence he heard in his neighborhood. The man beating his wife was also a regular customer he served at his Mai Shayi spot. Although the situation disturbed him, he never realized that this everyday relationship gave him the influence to speak up.
The Mai Shayi Movement Capacity Building Workshop changed that.
After the sessions, he felt equipped with the right information and confidence. One day, he approached his neighbor. Speaking calmly and respectfully, he explained the harm being caused and why things needed to change.
To his surprise, the man listened.
He acknowledged his wrongdoing and promised to do better.
