Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has strongly criticized the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset prevalent among Nigerian men, expressing concern over how it continues to portray women as inferior within the society.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Arise TV, Henshaw shed light on the entrenched gender bias that shapes not just societal behavior but also legal frameworks in Nigeria.
She argued that cultural norms and religious interpretations have been twisted to justify the unequal treatment of women.
According to the actress, the idea of gender equality has been grossly misunderstood, resulting in a social structure where women are often pushed to the margins.
“God created man and woman. Yes, the man came first, but the woman was created from his side — not his head to dominate him, nor his feet to be trampled upon, but from his side to be equal, to grow and multiply together,” she said. “Yet, Nigerian men view women as inferior. That’s why when you leave this country and see how women are treated elsewhere, the difference is glaring.”
She further criticized the legal inconsistencies that favor men, citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as an example. “Our laws even support this bias — a man is ‘reasonably’ allowed to chastise his wife. How does that make sense?” she asked.
Henshaw also highlighted the disparity in citizenship rights, noting that while a Nigerian man who marries a foreigner can easily obtain citizenship for his wife, a Nigerian woman must navigate several bureaucratic hurdles to secure the same for her foreign husband.
