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Summary
Feminists and women’s rights advocates have launched protests, organised discussions, issued solidarity statements, and amplified Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case through social media, legal advocacy, and mass mobilisation efforts to challenge her unjust suspension and demand accountability for gender-based harassment in Nigerian politics.
Women have always been underrepresented in Nigerian politics, often with little to no institutional support. In the Senate, there are only four women, yet even among them, there are no solid policies to protect their rights.
Recently, Nigerian lawmakers suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she submitted a petition claiming that she had been sexually harassed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. She first made these accusations in an interview, and when her petition was dismissed on procedural grounds, the ethics committee recommended her suspension, arguing that she had brought ridicule to the Senate.
Despite some senators advocating for a shorter suspension, the majority upheld the six-month recommendation. This decision led to widespread victim-blaming, backlash, bullying, and harassment directed at Senator Natasha. However, feminists and women’s rights advocates have refused to remain silent. Within the past three days, they have taken significant actions in response to this injustice.
Here are ten key things feminists are doing in response to Senator Natasha’s suspension:
1. Zikoko Magazine Stands in Solidarity
Zikoko Magazine has publicly expressed its support for Senator Natasha. They posted on X, stating:
“In Women’s History Month, we are reminded just how little the Nigerian Government cares about women’s rights. While it is disappointing that this is where we are in 2025, we will not be silenced, and we will not stop fighting”
2. Naija Feminist Media Hosts an IWD X-Space Discussion
Naija Feminist Media (NFM) is organising an X-Space discussion titled “Deconstructing Rape Culture in Nigeria’s Political Climate” on March 8, 2025, in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD). The discussion aims to highlight how rape culture is embedded in Nigeria’s political and social structures, normalise sexual violence, and silence survivors. It will also dissect the Senator Natasha issue and how rape culture affects women in the political space in Nigeria. The event will feature activists, experts, and survivors advocating for systemic change.
3. Women’s Groups Protest Senator Natasha’s Suspension
Women’s rights organisations under the Coalition for Women in Governance have rejected Senator Natasha’s suspension, describing it as an attack on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership. They have threatened to mobilise a mass protest unless the decision is reversed. The Women’s Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF) has also called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
4. A Protest Planned for March 11 at the National Assembly
Another protest is scheduled for March 11, 2025, at the National Assembly in Abuja by 8am. The organisers are calling on young women to show up in large numbers, stating:
“It’s now or never. This injustice must not stand.” – Hauwa Allahbura on X.
5. Herbode & Siren Organising Nationwide Walks
The feminist-centered organisations Herbode and Siren have announced nationwide solidarity walks across all states in Nigeria. These walks aim to raise awareness, spark conversations, and demand justice for Senator Natasha while also advocating for safer political spaces for women.
The walks will also feature speeches, performances, and discussions on women’s experiences with harassment in politics, business, and public service. Organisers have set up legal support teams to provide assistance if any demonstrators face intimidation or arrests.
6. Nigerian Feminists Speak Up with #IStandWithNatasha
Feminists across Nigeria have taken to social media to amplify Senator Natasha’s case. They have trended hashtags, shared their own experiences with workplace harassment, and called out systemic oppression. Women have also spoken about sexual harassment in academic settings, including “sex-for-grades” incidents involving male lecturers.
7. NFM Releases a Solidarity Statement
On March 4, 2025, NFM issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Senate’s actions, calling them a direct attack on women’s rights and democratic values. The statement highlighted that Senator Natasha’s suspension was not only a misuse of political power but also a blatant act of retaliation against a woman who dared to speak up about harassment.
NFM’s statement read:
“As an organisation committed to social justice, we strongly condemn the bullying and call for her suspension, which are unacceptable attempts to silence her. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations warrant a thorough investigation, and we urge the relevant authorities to take her claims seriously and conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.
No one should face punishment for asserting their autonomy and refusing unwanted advances. We believe Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage will resonate with many women who have faced similar situations.”
8. Document Women Condemns the Suspension
The media platform Document Women also released a statement criticising the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha’s petition, calling it “an assault on justice.” They highlighted that the accused, Senate President Akpabio, presided over the judgment, creating a conflict of interest and the decision to suspend Natasha was a blatant attempt to silence women.
“While we applaud Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for resubmitting the sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, this should never have happened in the first place. We are therefore calling for Senate President Akpabio to step down to allow for an independent investigation.” the statement read.
9. Dami Osonowo Hosts a Virtual Discussion
Nigerian feminist Dami Osonowo hosted an X-Space discussion on March 6, 2025, under the hashtag #WeStandWithNatasha. The session focused on mobilising young women for protests, emailing senators, supporting Senator Natasha’s legal fight and ensuring sustained online activism despite distractions.
She emphasised the importance of strategic resistance and discouraged engagement with influencers attempting to derail the conversation.
10. WIMBIZ Condemns Attacks on Women in Leadership
Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) released a statement on March 7, 2025, decrying the systemic bias, intimidation, and violence faced by women in leadership. The organisation called out the unjust treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as part of a broader pattern of silencing women in positions of power.
The statement stated:
“WIMBIZ unequivocally condemns these acts and calls for due process, fairness, and stronger protection for women in leadership. A nation cannot progress when half of its population is silenced. It’s time to AccelerateAction for gender equity.”
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked widespread outrage, with feminists and women’s rights advocates taking swift and coordinated action to demand justice. From protests and online activism to policy discussions and solidarity statements, these efforts show the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The movement underscores a critical message: Women will not be silenced! The fight for justice continues, and the collective resistance to oppression grows stronger each day.
