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Summary
Naija Feminist Media’s IWD 2025 X-Space discussion critically examined how rape culture is embedded in Nigeria’s political and social systems, using Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a case study, and called for collective action to dismantle systemic gender injustices.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, Naija Feminist Media (NFM) hosted an X-Space discussion titled Deconstructing Rape Culture in Nigeria’s Political Climate. The discussion critically examined how rape culture is embedded in Nigeria’s political and social structures, contributing to the normalisation of sexual violence and the silencing of survivors.
The X-Space, moderated by Nkechi Igwebuike, Project Manager at NFM, highlighted how Senator Natasha’s experience reflects broader societal issues regarding gender injustice.
Here are some of the problems that were highlighted in the X space discussion.
- Structural Barriers and Institutional Misogyny
The recent case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment and was subsequently suspended for six months without pay, highlights systemic issues. Instead of addressing her claims fairly, the Senate leadership dismissed her accusations, reinforcing a culture of victim-blaming and silencing women who speak up against abuse.
According to Abimbola Olomosedara, an international relations student and SDG advocate, Nigeria’s political system continually creates barriers that prevent women from speaking up. With only three women in the Senate, the silencing of one voice signifies a broader issue of gender injustice.
“The reason we highlight Women’s Day is that the system continually intimidates women, creating barriers that prevent them from speaking up for themselves,” she said.
- Lack of Government Commitment to Ending Rape Culture
Feminist advocate Kosisochukwu Ani pointed out that the Nigerian government has demonstrated little to no commitment to addressing gender-based violence.
“It is not just about Natasha; it is about every woman out there. When a woman faces injustice, society often finds a way to victimise her further.”
She emphasised that Senator Natasha’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of institutional failure that further victimises women. This lack of action places Nigeria in a negative light on the global stage, where gender justice is increasingly scrutinised.
- The Role of Media in Reinforcing Harmful Narratives
Media plays a critical role in shaping public perception. However, Nigerian media often promotes narratives that normalise sexual violence, making it difficult for survivors to receive justice. Kosisochukwu Ani stressed that journalists and media practitioners must be more responsible in their reporting, ensuring survivors’ stories are accurately represented rather than dismissed.
“The media is a powerful tool. It can either protect survivors or further harm them. We must actively work to ensure that survivors are heard and their stories accurately represented.”
- Systemic Silencing of Women
Tobiloba Akanni, a writer and women’s rights advocate, highlighted how deeply ingrained cultural norms reinforce rape culture. Women, regardless of their social status or influence, continue to face systemic oppression. Without challenging these structures, gender-based violence and discrimination will persist.
- Power Imbalance and the Education System
The issue of sexual violence is further exacerbated by power imbalances in political and educational institutions. Karishika, a contributor in the X-Space, noted that universities often fail to hold perpetrators accountable, leaving women vulnerable. The education system conditions women to be passive and tolerate harassment, reinforcing their vulnerability to future assaults.
To conclude the session, Simbiat Bakare, founder of NFM, closed the discussion by thanking all participants and encouraging women to continue speaking up, standing together, and advocating for a safer, more equitable society.
About NFM IWD Initiative
NFM is committed to continuing this conversation beyond IWD 2025. The organisation is launching a series of initiatives, including media literacy programs and advocacy campaigns, to address systemic barriers to gender justice. This year’s IWD theme for NFM, #CollectiveActionNow, calls for unity in dismantling structures that perpetuate gender-based violence and injustice.
Beyond the X space, NFM also amplified feminist voices, many of whom called for the end of male violence against women. On International Women’s Day (IWD), NFM conducted a media literacy session and issued a press release in solidarity with Senator Natasha. Under the hashtag #WomensMonth, we share stories of women who submit articles. We also encouraged participation in the campaign by inviting individuals to submit their names and photos, along with a feminist quote or comment.
To create a more just society, survivors must be supported, perpetrators held accountable, and systemic changes implemented. The fight against rape culture in Nigeria’s political and social structures requires unwavering commitment from individuals, organisations, and policymakers alike. Only through collective action can we dismantle the harmful systems that silence survivors and enable perpetrators.
