As Worldwide Ladies’s Day approaches, it’s the proper time to shine a highlight on Nigerian feminine celebrities who should not simply entertaining us but additionally pushing for actual change in society. 

These ladies have gone past their careers in movie, music, and media to battle for gender equality, human rights, and social justice.

Whether or not by way of their voices, activism, or direct neighborhood affect, they’re breaking obstacles, difficult norms, and demanding a greater world. Listed here are some Nigerian ladies utilizing their platforms for social change:

Genevieve Nnaji – Voice for ladies’s rights

Genevieve Nnaji is extra than simply an award-winning actress, she is a vocal advocate for ladies’s rights in Nigeria. She has spoken out towards gender-based violence, calling for stronger legal guidelines to guard ladies from abuse.

In an interview with UNICEF, she emphasised the significance of empowering younger ladies, saying, “Let ladies develop as much as turn into ladies and make a alternative; get them to some extent the place they know who they’re as human beings, and so they can be capable of battle for themselves within the face of abuse.”

Her groundbreaking film Lionheart was not simply Nigeria’s first-ever submission for the Oscars but additionally an announcement on gender equality in a male-dominated society.

Tonto Dikeh – Championing youngster Welfare and home violence Victims

Tonto Dikeh wears many hats, actress, philanthropist, and activist. By means of the Tonto Dikeh Basis, she has devoted years to supporting underprivileged youngsters, single moms, and survivors of home violence.

Her basis has supplied scholarships, shelter, and medical support to these in want. She has additionally used her social media affect to talk towards youngster abuse and gender-based violence, guaranteeing that these points stay in public discourse.

Kate Henshaw – Advocate for justice and social change

Kate Henshaw isn’t just a Nollywood veteran; she is a fearless advocate for justice. She was one of many strongest voices through the #EndSARS protests, demanding police reform and an finish to brutality towards Nigerian youths.

She additionally lends her voice to causes like training, ladies’s empowerment, and youngster abuse prevention. Her boldness in talking reality to energy has earned her each admiration and criticism, however she stays steadfast in her mission to see a greater Nigeria.

Iyabo Ojo – Standing for justice and accountability

Iyabo Ojo has used her affect to battle towards social injustice, significantly in circumstances of abuse and victimization. She was on the forefront of searching for justice for the late singer Mohbad, refusing to remain silent till authorities took motion.

She has additionally been vocal about the necessity to shield ladies and youngsters from abuse, continually utilizing her social media to amplify the voices of those that can not communicate for themselves.

Funke Akindele – Advocating for ladies and youth empowerment

Funke Akindele is understood for her blockbuster movies, however past leisure, she has made a mark in social advocacy. By means of her motion pictures and social media platforms, she highlights points comparable to home violence, gender inequality, and psychological well being consciousness.

Her tales typically mirror real-life struggles, sparking conversations on essential societal points. She additionally helps younger entrepreneurs and creatives, encouraging Nigerian youths to chase their goals.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A worldwide feminist icon

Although primarily generally known as a author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has used her platform to advocate for gender equality, each in Nigeria and on the worldwide stage. Her guide We Ought to All Be Feminists has impressed numerous ladies to demand equal rights.

She has spoken at main platforms, from TED Talks to the United Nations, difficult stereotypes about African ladies and urging for a extra inclusive society. She persistently calls out sexism, not simply in Nigeria however world wide.

Tiwa Savage – Combating towards sexual violence

Tiwa Savage is one in every of Nigeria’s largest music stars, however past her music, she has used her affect to talk towards rape and sexual abuse. In 2020, she led the #WeAreTired motion, calling for justice for victims of rape in Nigeria.

She has repeatedly used her music and voice to empower ladies, encouraging them to embrace their independence and power in a society that usually tries to silence them.