It’s Time to End Rape Culture in Nigeria
We were in the very early stages of a relationship series that was supposed to breathe life into our romantic, platonic and family lives, but with everything going on, it’s extremely difficult to be positive. Outside of helping female creatives thrive economically, we’re here for support: to build a sisterhood that supports each other through the good, the bad and the bullshit. And frankly, this is bull.
We’re pissed off.
Everyday recently, I’ve had a conversation about some form of abuse. Whether it’s about the D’banj debacle, dark-skinned women being thrown into dumpsters or just hearing about something tragic going on. It’s sickening. As Nigerian women, we’re raised in a culture that perpetuates misogyny and rape culture but f that, miss me with it. There’s a culture shift that needs to happen, and as the generation up next, we have to be at the forefront of that.
For many of us, although we may still suffer sexual abuse, manipulation or from any of the traumas related to these, we also exist in a place of privilege. Without trivialising anything you may have experienced, in most instances we are able to avoid repeated experiences by removing ourselves from these situations.
The greater majority of Nigerians, live on under $5k a year. So for many, walking away from sexual predators that may be offering them work or education isn’t really an option. We all know that sexual abuse and rape is about power. What makes it all the more problematic are the lack of safe spaces we have for survivors. Confiding in family or friends with situations like these prove extremely difficult when your abuser is family themself or a person that may be considered a saving grace.
Unfortunately, many older women have internalised patriarchy. I’m sure every one of us can recall someone we once respected saying something extremely problematic in alliance with rape culture. Whether it regarded something you’ve worn, your sexual liberty or indicated in any way that you could have caused it.
With the size of the poverty population projected to grow until 2030, we really fear for the little girls (or boys) at home subjected to life with an abuser. It’s exhausting to think that we continuously have to fight for the right to live without fear. But if we don’t fight for our lives, who will? We need a revolution, and if we have to shake everything up to get it, let’s do it.
