Feminism is without borders

A Weekly Newsletter from Naija Feminists

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Recently, some Nigerian trans activists and feminist allies have been responding to critiques of gender identity ideology by questioning why Nigerian feminists are concerned about an issue they claim affects a small group. But this line of reasoning is short-sighted.
Feminism has never been about borders. Nigerian feminists, like many others, do not practise a form of feminism limited to their country’s boundaries. The movement has always drawn strength from global solidarity. “I am not free until every woman is,” is not just a quote—it’s a guiding principle. If feminists only addressed the problems of their immediate environments, who would speak up for women in places like Afghanistan? Would international organisations like the Malala Fund, which have consistently supported the rights of girls worldwide, withdraw their efforts and focus only on their countries?
When feminists express discomfort, the response shouldn’t be to silence or shame them. Discomfort signals the need for a deeper conversation, not a shutdown. It’s not a regressive act to critique ideologies. If a significant number of women are unsettled by a trend or idea, it becomes a feminist issue worth discussing. We need to speak with care and precision—especially in feminist spaces—so we don’t accidentally reinforce the misogyny we aim to dismantle.
At Naija Feminists Media, we share feminist knowledge, build community, and create spaces where uncomfortable but necessary conversations like this can happen.
With love and solidarity,The NFM Team
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What is Patriarchy? It is in the DetailsBy: Testimony Ishola
When a man dies, who traditionally inherits his estate? His son. When a king dies, who replaces him? Usually a son. When a woman has five daughters and no sons, what is she told? “You need to give your husband a son.” When she finally has a son, what happens? Her husband is overjoyed, throws a lavish naming ceremony, and welcomes pats on the back from his male friends who tell him he has finally done well to have an heir.
This is patriarchy. It’s been ingrained in us for generations, often justified by religion or tradition. According to sociologist Sylvia Walby, patriarchy is “a system of social structures and practices in which men dominate, oppress, and exploit women.” That definition says it all.
We are socialised from birth to uphold a system that centres men and burdens women. And unfortunately, many of us carry it forward, unconsciously and even proudly. Everything we have been taught to do from birth is largely tied to benefiting men at the expense of women, feeling discomfort and having to bend and twist their backs to intentionally or unintentionally make the world a better place for men. Read moreon how patriarchy manifests in Nigerian society, from urging women to be virgins until marriage, while excusing men sleeping around.
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We are proud to announce a media partnership with Misty Glam Company to amplify Nigeria’s first beauty pageant for persons with albinism. The first-of-its-kind pageantry will challenge perceptions and address the underrepresentation of people with albinism concerning beauty standards. Through multimedia storytelling and interviews, NFM will amplify the voices of women with albinism. The heart of the project aligns with NFM’s mission to amplify marginalised voices in the media through advocacy, partnerships, and storytelling.
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LIBRARY HERE
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Join our volunteering team and make a difference in driving social change! We’re currently looking for an Accountant. If you’re interested, please send your application to mail@naijafeministsmedia.org.ng.The BRICS Women’s Startups Contest 2025 is open for applications! This initiative empowers women entrepreneurs and showcases innovative startups across BRICS nations. Apply now!Apply now for the 2025 Code for Africa WanaData Fellowships, supporting African data scientists and storytellers in gender-focused projects!
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