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Summary: Simbiat Bakare, Founding Director of Naija Feminists Media, spoke on the Talk District podcast about feminism and gender equality. She called for stronger support for survivors of sexual violence and condemned misinformation and online backlash against those who speak out.
As part of its mandate to mainstream feminism, Naija Feminists Media appeared on the Talk District podcast on February 21, 2026, to facilitate understanding of feminism and its importance for a just and peaceful society.
NFM, represented on the programme by its Founding Director, Simbiat Bakare, spoke extensively, addressing misconceptions about feminism, spoke about its role in modern society, and the need to support women who speak out against gender-based violence.
Talk District, hosted by Kimmy K and Clemz, is known for its high-energy and unfiltered conversations that challenge social norms and spotlight real-life issues. During the episode, Simbiat discussed the work NFM is doing to amplify women’s voices, document gender issues and push for accountability in cases of injustice.
She emphasised that aligning with feminism is not merely about advocating for women’s rights but about committing to full social, economic and political equality for all. According to her, feminism seeks to dismantle patriarchal systems and harmful gender stereotypes that negatively affect women.
Simbiat Bakare also addressed the culture of disbelief that greets women who report sexual violence. Referencing the case of Mirabel, a TikTok content creator who reported she was brutally raped in her apartment after refusing to give a man her phone number, she highlighted how survivors are frequently subjected to scrutiny instead of support.
Mirabel’s story sparked widespread outrage after she shared a video recounting the incident, which she said occurred in her Ogun State home on February 15, 2026. Following her disclosure, a wave of misinformation circulated online, including a doctored TikTok profile, false claims from influencers and a fabricated arrest narrative, all aimed at discrediting her testimony.
Simbiat condemned what she described as a deliberate attempt to silence and shame survivors through coordinated misinformation campaigns. She noted that such reactions discourage survivors from speaking up and reinforce a system that protects perpetrators.
She also referenced the backlash faced by Nigerian singer Simi, who was criticised and bullied online for speaking against rape and calling on men to hold other men accountable.
Simbiat concluded by stressing the urgent need for society to believe and support women when they report violence, urging listeners to move from performative outrage to sustained advocacy and structural change.
