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| Hello friend, Did you see Kate Henshaw’s post on Twitter recently? In case you missed it, a lady had mentioned preferring to date Yahooh boys, and Kate had responded to the tweet along the lines of, that is why they use you for ritual. It was quite a ruckus, and you may imagine why. It’s because responses like these often justify male violence against women. Kate’s response is a symptom of how many elderly women in Nigeria are significant enablers of male violence against women. Their roles in families and communities shape perceptions and attitudes toward gender-based violence, and this dynamic complicates the fight against such violence.For instance, when a woman seeks financial independence, older women may frame it as greedy. This attitude then leads to justifications for violence, suggesting that a woman’s desire for money warrants punishment. They also engage in victim-blaming. When a woman is harmed, some may say she brought it upon herself through her actions or choices. This response shifts the focus from the perpetrator’s behavior to the victim’s supposed failings, creating an environment where violence is excused rather than condemned. In some cases, they even mock younger women, particularly those who express feminist opinions. This taunting can escalate to threats of violence. For example, if a woman speaks out against traditional practices or challenges male authority, older women may respond with glee by suggesting that her views could lead to men beating her. This tactic intimidates women into silence and reinforces compliance with oppressive norms. Statistics show that violence against women is pervasive in Nigeria, revealing that 30% of women experience sexual gender based violence at some point in their lives. These numbers reflect a culture where violence is normalized. Older women, as influencers within their communities, play a role in shaping this culture. It is important to recognize the influence of older women in perpetuating these beliefs. Their perspectives often stem from their own experiences with patriarchy, and internalization of these harmful norms, which they then pass on to the next generation. This cycle continues, as younger women often feel pressured to conform to the expectations set by older women. Oftentimes, these women’s behaviour are a result of conditioning, and they are victims of these viewpoints. It’s something we need to recognize if we want to create change. At NFM, we are all about challenging the status quo and encouraging discussion through various resources. Sharing these resources helps to engage women of all ages in conversations about gender equality, it really helps shift those beliefs, causing them to question these harmful narratives. Open dialogue can raise awareness, and together, we can work toward a more equitable society for everyone. With love and solidarity,The NFM Team. |
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| Performing Femininity Stems From Needing Inner Child Comfort By: Dami Onosowobo The safest you ever felt was in your mother’s arms as a baby. Both women and men seek to replicate that feeling of safety; there is nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is how women are taught that the very valid human need is, in fact, an inner call to be feminine. Women are encouraged to perform fragility for crumbs of that feeling when true safety starts from truly and fully being and loving that being. This performance of fragility never leads us there. It, in fact, makes us more vulnerable. Which is exactly what patriarchy wants us. Patriarchy demands that fully grown women remain in a perpetual state of girlishness, a pretence because we are also expected to carry loads that require might. There’s nothing feminine about femaleness. Periods are bloody and not pretty, childbirth isn’t either. The first protector every single human knows is the mother who made them. True “femininity” is an assertive state of being. You are the leader. You don’t need to be walked like a dog. Read more on how femininity is less of being led by men and more of being assertive. |
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The US 2024 election is one of the world’s most significant events this month, and we have been at the forefront of covering it! Of course, we are zooming in on Kamala Harris’s campaign. As you know, female politicians are less likely to be exclusively covered in the news, and at NFM, we are committed to filling the gap. Check our website for all our updates on the US elections and other political figures. Don’t forget to follow our news channel. That way, you will never miss an important story. |
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| LIBRARY HERE |
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| Join Naija Feminists Media as a volunteer. Be a part of the solution. We are accepting fact-checkers and grants officers, Email your resume to mail@naijafeministsmedia.org.ngThe Growth4Her Award recognises women driving innovation in Africa. The top 3 winners will share the $75k prize fund. Apply for the competition.Join the #iRaceAgainstFemicide Marathon to raise awareness and support victims of gender-based violence. This 5K run will take place in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Houston. Your participation helps fund safe shelters for survivors. Sign up now! |
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