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Hello friend,
Did you notice that, these days, there is an increasing push for the traditional wife (tradwife) culture? It is often accompanied by the narrative that women being caretakers is our culture. However, what if we told you that is not true? Historically, women were more than just caretakers; they were active contributors to their communities and played diverse roles that shaped society.
In Nigeria’s pre-colonial era, women actively participated in agriculture, trade, and culture. They cultivated essential crops like yam, cassava, and maize, often managing their own farms and making key production decisions. Women were also skilled traders, negotiating deals and controlling significant portions of the local economy. This active participation highlights that women have always been powerful agents of change in our communities.
Moreover, women held important social and spiritual roles. They were the custodians of cultural traditions, passing down oral histories and leading religious ceremonies. In many societies, women served as priestesses or community leaders, underscoring their influence in both spiritual and civic matters. This diverse involvement contradicts the narrow perception of women confined to domestic spaces.
The idea of women as housewives stems from colonialism, which imposed restrictive gender norms that marginalised women’s roles and contributions. As a society, we must actively challenge this outdated idea. Understanding our rich history is crucial in challenging the modern notion of women as primarily housewives, a view that undermines women’s true potential and contributions.
Being a housewife should not be seen as the ultimate aspiration for women. Instead, we should celebrate and promote the diverse paths available, whether in the workforce, politics, or community leadership.
It is time for us to reclaim the narrative of Nigerian women. At Naija Feminists Media, this is one of our core missions. By creating awareness of women’s historical contributions, we inspire younger generations to defy societal norms that limit their potential. Join us in creating an inclusive media that amplifies feminist narratives for social change and advocates for policies that support women’s rights. By partnering with us, we can pave the way for a more just and equitable society where women and girls thrive.
With love and solidarity,
The Naija Feminists Community.
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‘Mothers are treated like liabilities,’ Nigerian women share why they quit work
By: Rejoice Taddy
“I might want to call myself unlucky in my career. Sometimes, I feel I should have taken a different route, but deep down, I know that’s not the issue. The people I’m surrounded by are why I feel this way,” educationalist Amina Sadu admits.
With ten years of experience as a teacher, Amina has applied for a promotion to a senior teaching position five times. Still, she has been repeatedly passed over in favour of male colleagues with similar or lesser qualifications.
“I know I’m qualified for the role, but it seems like they always choose a man for the position,” Amina shares, her frustration evident. “I have to work twice as hard just to be seen as equal, and the irony is that the men who get promoted often come to me for help on issues they struggle with.”
Read the full story on why Nigerian women are leaving their jobs.
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Barely two months since the launch of our website on September 1, 2024, we have published 72+ stories and accumulated over 1,382 readers! We have covered diverse themes on feminism, disabilities, politics, and male violence and amplified them to our 5,292+ followers on our social media platforms. Don’t miss out on early updates on our publications. Follow our WhatsApp news channel to keep informed on the very important topics we cover.
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- Naija Feminists Media wants your submissions for the #16DaysofActivism campaign against male violence towards women. Share your poems, essays, or other works by October 30, 2024. Be part of the change! Check it out!
- The Africa Innovation Fellowship 2024 is looking for passionate African women innovators in STEM. If you have an early-stage engineering idea, this program offers mentorship, training, and networking to help you grow.
- Tech Girls Global offers scholarships for women in Africa looking to advance their tech careers. With training and mentorship, this program empowers the next generation of female tech leaders. Learn more!
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