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| Hello friend, Have you ever wondered why the beauty industry is worth billions of dollars? Or why do cosmetic surgery rates keep soaring? The intersection of capitalism and women’s rights presents a complex paradox: while promising liberation, it often creates new forms of exploitation. Consider this: the system that champions women’s financial independence simultaneously profits from their insecurities. The beauty industry, valued at over $500 billion globally, thrives by convincing women they’re perpetually inadequate. From anti-ageing creams to weight loss products, capitalism transforms natural female characteristics into ‘problems’ requiring expensive solutions. But it doesn’t stop there. The commercialisation of women’s bodies extends into more controversial territories. Surrogacy, often marketed as reproductive freedom, has become a lucrative industry where wealthy individuals can effectively rent wombs, typically from economically disadvantaged women. Similarly, the pornography and sex work industries, while argued by some as expressions of sexual liberation, often reflect economic coercion rather than genuine choice. The rise in cosmetic surgery tells an equally troubling story. What began as reconstructive medicine has morphed into a multi-billion-pound industry selling standardised beauty ideals. Young women increasingly view surgical intervention not as a choice but as a necessity for social and professional success. This commodification of women’s bodies and experiences raises critical questions: When does choice become coercion? How free is a choice made under economic pressure? Can true liberation exist within a system that profits from women’s insecurities? At Naija Feminists Media, we’re dedicated to unravelling these complex dynamics. Our community explores how economic systems shape gender politics, offering resources and spaces for critical dialogue about authentic empowerment versus market-driven pseudo-liberation. With love and solidarity,The NFM Team. |
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| Feminism and ‘girly’ interestsBy: Tobiloba Akanni Can you be a feminist and have ‘girly’ hobbies? Can you be a feminist and follow pop culture or consume mainstream media? Can you be a feminist and enjoy old Hollywood romance movies? Can you be a feminist and … live life as you used to … normally?The answer lies somewhere in between, somewhere that doesn’t water down feminism’s purpose and principles and doesn’t dull the sharp, colourful edges and ebbs of your personality.You may have seen tweets from some radical feminists (stylised ‘radfems’) with a list of ‘don’ts’ or apparent wrongs that many young women engage in: shaving; wearing makeup; listening to rap; reading romance novels; being a fan of Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter; gushing over Aaron Pierre, practising girl boss feminism, and many others, either presented ironically or as a source of sore point, and you are convinced of the facts that feminism presents, champions and enshrines about women, so what to do?It bears noting right off that ‘everyone should be a feminist.’ Read more on how there’s no one way to be a feminist. You can be a feminist in ways that interest you. |
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| On Friday, January 31st, we hosted an enlightening X-Space discussion focused on improving female leadership in newsrooms. Our esteemed guests, Lucy Imaji, Angel Joanne Okonkwo, and Favour Eboatu, highlighted five key challenges: limited access to leadership roles, fewer opportunities, lack of mentorship, discriminatory policies, and cultural factors. They emphasised the need for structural reforms and the active pursuit of mentorship by women to navigate these barriers. This dialogue is vital for fostering inclusivity in media. You can read more on our website for a deeper dive into the discussion. |
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| We are seeking intellectual speakers, including women’s rights advocates, public health practitioners, and survivors of FGM, to speak on our upcoming X space on ending female genital mutilation on Feb 14, 2024. If interested, contact partnerships@naijafeministsmedia.org.ngOur media partner, SheLeads Africa, is hosting a Business Boost Lab Workshop for female entrepreneurs on March 20. Register here.The DAWN Fellowship is supporting young women feminists from the Global South to create projects on gender-based violence and conflict, fostering research, advocacy, and creative expression to amplify feminist voices. |
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