Kate Henshaw Condemns Unfair Treatment of Women in Nigeria
Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has spoken out strongly against the unfair treatment of women in Nigeria, calling for an end to harmful societal attitudes and outdated laws that continue to oppress women across the country.
In a recent interview, the actress voiced her concern over how culture, religion, and legislation have all contributed to the ongoing discrimination faced by Nigerian women. Henshaw said that the original message of gender equality, as seen in the biblical story of creation, has been twisted over time to make women appear inferior.
She pointed out that women were never meant to be seen as less important than men. According to her, “God brought the woman from the man’s side—not the head to rule him or the feet to be trampled upon, but the side, to walk together as equals.” She stressed that many men in Nigeria still treat women as lesser beings, a mindset she says becomes clear when compared to how women are treated in other parts of the world.
Henshaw was also critical of certain Nigerian laws that she believes promote inequality. She gave an example of citizenship laws, noting that foreign women married to Nigerian men can easily obtain citizenship, but Nigerian women who marry foreign men often face long and difficult procedures to get the same for their husbands.
She further slammed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law for allowing a man to “reasonably chastise” his wife. She argued that such a clause encourages domestic abuse and should be completely removed. In her words, “Even our laws favour men. This law makes it okay for a man to hit his wife under the excuse of correction. That is not acceptable.”
The actress also criticized religious institutions and churches for contributing to this issue. She believes that some teachings and interpretations continue to promote male superiority and keep women in a lower position, instead of encouraging partnership and mutual respect.
Kate Henshaw has always used her voice to speak on issues affecting women, and her latest comments have sparked fresh discussions on gender inequality in Nigeria. Many of her fans have praised her courage and honesty in addressing a topic that is often overlooked in public discourse.
As conversations about women’s rights grow louder, her message adds to the call for change in how women are treated, both legally and culturally, in Nigerian society.
