World • 15h ago
The one thing everyone gets wrong about feminism
**The Truth About Feminism in Nigeria: Separating Myth from Reality**
Feminism, in Nigeria and around the world, is often misunderstood and misrepresented as being dead or defeated. But is this really the case? Or are we just reading the obituaries too soon?
Over the decades, I've seen numerous claims of feminism's demise, and lately, there's been a flurry of these announcements. But what lies behind these claims? Two main assumptions are at play. Firstly, people assume that feminism should have achieved its goals within a single lifetime, a notion that's both unrealistic and defeatist. It's naive to expect that centuries of patriarchy entrenched in our laws, culture, social norms, and economy could be dismantled in just a few generations.
Secondly, people tend to judge feminism's success based on a single event, like the overturning of Roe v Wade, the #MeToo movement, or the Epstein files. But we must remember that the US experience is not the same as Nigeria's or any other country's. Let's not confuse one event with the entire movement. #MeToo, for instance, was not a magic solution that suddenly ended all sexual abuse. It was a culmination of years of feminist activism, building on earlier work.
In Nigeria, we've seen our own share of feminist milestones, from the pioneering work of women like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to the recent #SayNoToGBV campaign. These efforts have raised awareness about the pervasive nature of gender-based violence and the fact that it often occurs within familiar circles, not just among strangers.
The perfect is indeed the enemy of the good, and it's time to acknowledge the progress made and not be discouraged by setbacks. Feminism is not a destination; it's a journey, and we must continue to push for equality and justice for all.
In Nigeria, we have a unique opportunity to build on the progress made by earlier generations of feminists. By understanding the complexities of our history and culture, we can create a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians, regardless of gender. So, let's not read the obituary for feminism just yet. Instead, let's continue to write its story, one chapter at a time.