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| Hello friend, Today, we talk about performative activism! While social media has given us powerful tools to spread awareness, it has also fostered a culture where appearing to care often takes precedence over taking meaningful action. How often have you seen organisations paint everything pink during Women’s History Month while maintaining gender pay gaps within their workforce? Or influencers posting about women’s empowerment while simultaneously promoting harmful beauty standards? Performative activism isn’t just ineffective – it’s actively harmful to the women’s rights movement in several ways. First, it creates an illusion of progress. When people believe that sharing a post or wearing a slogan T-shirt is enough, they’re less likely to engage in the hard work of actual advocacy, such as supporting women-led organisations, volunteering at shelters, or pushing for policy changes. Second, it oversimplifies complex issues. Real feminist work involves understanding intersectionality, acknowledging diverse experiences, and addressing systemic barriers. Performative activism, however, often reduces these complexities to catchy phrases and superficial gestures, making it harder to tackle the root causes of gender inequality. Third, it diverts resources and attention from genuine initiatives. While people are busy congratulating themselves for their “brave” social media posts, grassroots organisations struggle for funding, and actual advocacy work goes unnoticed and unsupported. So, what does real activism look like? It’s showing up consistently, not just when it’s trending. It’s amplifying women’s voices rather than speaking over them. It’s doing the uncomfortable work of examining our own biases and privileges. It’s supporting women-led organisations with our time, money, and skills. And it’s pushing for systemic change in our workplaces, communities, and government. At Naija Feminists Media, we’re committed to moving beyond performative gestures to create lasting change. Our work focuses on producing diverse knowledge products for education, sharing and highlighting women’s stories and voices, and challenging systemic barriers. Join us in turning social media activism into real-world impact. With love and solidarity,The NFM Team. |
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| Misandry is a non-existent concept By: Tobiloba Akanni Misandry does not operate as an institutionalised mode of behaviour, especially in the real world. To use the illustration of Ijeoma Chinonyerem, a prominent feminist figure, misandry is a local stream compared to misogyny—an ocean. Whatever adverse or unfavourable circumstances men may experience in society can be explained by other forms of structural bias or failings, not misandry. Men are not in danger of physical harm from women, and neither are they required to compromise their autonomy in any case. In Nigeria, they are not refused accommodation for being single, nor do they suffer social reproach for it. Whatever men are victims of (e.g., a discriminatory justice system) will almost always affect women as well, with women facing unique setbacks because of their sex. Read more on how misandry is a nonexistent concept with no real power or systemic oppression backing it. |
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| Although the 2024 #16DaysOfActivism campaign has officially ended, the struggle for women’s liberation continues. However, for the #16DaysofActivism, our team did impactful work focusing on storytelling, collaboration, and advocacy to amplify marginalised voices and raise awareness about male violence against women and girls. Our key activities included sharing powerful survivor stories through various media channels, collaborating on initiatives such as the Global Race Against Femicide, and hosting a virtual discussion that engaged nearly 1,000 participants. This discussion aimed to address male violence and promote behavioural change. As a result of these efforts, we also developed a comprehensive policy brief to further our impact. Together, we are committed to fostering a safer and more equitable society for everyone. |
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| LIBRARY HERE |
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| Ready to make a difference? Join Naija Feminists Media as a Pioneer Board Member! Send your profile and CV to: mail@naijafeministsmedia.org.ng cc: partnerships@naijafeministsmedia.org.ng. Together, we can change the world!The 2025 Nigeria Signature Leadership Journey is open for exceptional mid-career women leaders! Enhance your skills and connect with a vibrant community. Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join this journey!The 2025 AWARD Leadership Programme is open for applications! If you’re under 35 and eager to enhance your leadership skills in agricultural sciences, visit the AWARD website for details and to apply today! |
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