The concept of feminism is not one a lot of Nigerians find endearing. In a staunchly patriarchal society, the concept of women fighting for equal rights is mostly met with great resistance. Nevertheless, there are bold, brave and confident Nigerian women who are determined to fight the great fight; educating others and actively advocating for women’s rights. Here’s a list of the top ten feminist Nigerian voices.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is often termed the godmother of feminism in the Nigerian community. Her TEDx talk, “We should all be feminists,” helped cement her as a leading voice in the feminist movement. Her speeches and talks help explain the concept of feminism simply, such that a layman could understand. She’s frequently being quoted by several people worldwide, even by Beyonce is known to have quoted the writer. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a writer and the author of Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, The Thing Around Your Neck, Americanah, and We Should All Be Feminists.
- Ozzy Etomi: Ozzy Etomi is a prolific writer and a prominent feminist. Her passion for women issues saturates the content she puts out on social media daily. She champions the causes of women and educates her followers on gender constructs and its danger. She’s multitalented and boasts of finesse in fashion designing. Ozzy has been particularly vocal in most online protests and was part of the feminist coalition that helped facilitate the #EndSARS protests.
- Kiki Mordi: Kiki Mordi is a feminist to be reckoned with. She is completely unapologetic about her views and is never one to back down because of vitriol from oppositionists. The fantastic investigative journalist, media personality, filmmaker and writer recently won the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling for the explosive Sex for Grades documentary. In the hour-long feature, Mordi exposed the sexual harassment facing students at the University of Lagos and the University of Ghana. This helped spark necessary conversations; triggering the #MeToo movement in Africa.
- Damilola Odufuwa: Damilola Odufuwa is a brilliant communications expert. Asides that, she’s a very passionate feminist. She believes strongly in the liberation of women and the fight for the equality of the sexes. Odufuwa’s role in the effectiveness of the #EndSARS protests cannot be understated. She, alongside Odunayo Eweniyi, reached out to other formidable women to make up the feminist coalition. She also championed the establishment of a women-only space; tagged ‘Wine and Whine’. The platform allows women across all ages to come together and have fun without having to worry about the discomfort of intrusive, creepy men.
- Karo Omu: Karo Omu’s passion for women and feminism can be seen in the meaningful projects she’s taken up. She is the founder of the non-profit organisation Sanitary Aid Initiative, which promotes the sanitary health of the girl-child across Nigeria. Karo can also be seen on Twitter canvassing for women’s right to express freely, without inhibitions and restrictions.
- Odunayo Eweniyi: Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and COO of PiggyVest. She also previously co-founded pushcv.com. The bold and daring career woman has been known to lead female-centred conversations on the streets of Twitter. She teamed up with, Damilola Odufuwa and other fabulous women to set up the feminist coalition.
- Moe Odele: Modupe Odele, fondly known as Mochievous, is a proficient lawyer and the founder of ScaleMyHustle and Vazi Legal. She is a vocal feminist and an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Moe was also a leading force in the protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). She employed the use of her legal enterprise to assist jailed protesters during that period. She was also very vocal during the anti-rape protests in 2020.
- Feyikemi Abudu: Feyikemi Abudu, commonly known as Fk Abudu, is a businesswoman. She is an impressive opinion leader on Twitter, and she pushes conversations around women, feminism and gender. She was dubbed ‘President’ during the #EndSARS era as she took a major, decisive step in supporting the campaign and acting as a face to the movement.
- Jola Ayeye: Jolaoluwa Ayeye is an excellent writer, storyteller, and a passionate feminist. She also co-hosts a popular podcast with her friend and colleague, Feyikemi Abudu. Her conversations, tweets are often charged women empowerment themes.
- Fakhrriyyah Hashim: Fakhrriyyah Hashim might be a young woman, but she’s achieved so much already. She confidently led the Arewa #MeToo movement; dedicated to bringing awareness and fighting against sexual violence in Northern states. She is a social and community development advocate in Nigeria. Hashim was also a front-line member of the #EndSARS campaign.
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