5 False Feminist Narratives We Fact-checked This Year
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- You can’t be a feminist and be broke
On October 16, 2025, media personality Adeife Adeoye released a video claiming, “You can’t be a feminist and be broke,” arguing that feminism is about having options, which require financial means. The claim is misleading because, while financial independence can empower women, feminism is fundamentally about equality and rights, not wealth accumulation.
- Menstruation isn’t about bad character: A response to Apostle Femi Lazarus’ misogynistic sermon
In a viral TikTok clip, Apostle Femi Lazarus suggested women’s behaviour during menstruation reflects poor character, dismissing a natural biological process as a moral failing. The claim is false, as menstruation is hormonal, not a weakness, and society should respond with understanding and empathy, not gendered judgment.
- Retyit Haruna cleared; she did not set her husband ablaze
A user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a vindicating account on the case of Lt. Samson Haruna, a military officer, revealing that he allegedly tried to set his wife, Retyit Haruna, on fire. Still, the act backfired, leading to his own death. This statement aligns with new testimonies, after rigorous investigation, Retyit is declared innocent in the military in Mr Haruna’s death case.
- Misinformation and misogyny: The truth behind the claim about Nigerian women and infidelity
In January 2015, Vanguard News, a reputable media outlet, posted a claim on social media, as well as other media outlets dating from 2012 to 2023, which stated that “Durex survey” found Nigerian women to be the top in the world when it comes to infidelity, with figures such as 62% unfaithful, higher than in other countries. This is misleading: investigations showed it originates from a foreign site and has been deleted. There’s no reliable evidence to support claims about Nigerian women being the most unfaithful globally.
- Male Twitter Users Falsely Claim Feminists had Intercourse with Dogs
On November 16, 2025, ThaBoyYom posted on X a WhatsApp conversation between Chikamma and her ex, stating that she should debunk the claim that she is “sleeping with her dog and falsely accusing people of rape.” Our fact-check proved that the claim is false, misogynistic, and lacks authenticity. The claimant, Yom, has also taken down the false post after the victim threatened legal action.
