A recent social media post by Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has sparked a national conversation about victim-blaming and the fight for women’s safety in Nigeria. Njoku’s message, a reaction to the tragic deaths of two missing friends, Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh, urged women to “avoid being victims” in a country where “even if you die, it’s your fault.” While the sentiment behind her post is understandable, it raises complex questions about responsibility, societal attitudes, and the need for systemic change.
A Nation Grappling with Violence Against Women
Nigeria faces a significant challenge when it comes to violence against women. Kidnapping, rape, and domestic abuse are unfortunately all too common. The recent disappearances and murders of Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh highlight the dangers women face simply for existing in public spaces.
A Cry of Frustration and the Need for Systemic Change
Njoku’s message, delivered in a moment of grief and anger, reflects the frustration many Nigerians feel towards a justice system perceived as failing to protect its citizens. Victim-blaming, where the onus of responsibility falls on the victim rather than the perpetrator, is a deeply ingrained issue in Nigerian society.
While personal safety precautions are important, the burden of preventing violence cannot solely lie on women. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening law enforcement, shifting societal attitudes through education campaigns, improving street lighting and security measures, and empowering women with self-defense training and access to support services.
From Frustration to Action: A Call for Collective Responsibility
Njoku’s message, despite its limitations, serves as a crucial starting point for a broader conversation. Moving forward, it’s essential to move beyond victim-blaming, shift the narrative to celebrate acts of resilience and courage shown by women overcoming adversity, promote open communication about safety concerns, and hold authorities accountable for addressing violence against women.
Taking Action in the Real World
The online conversation sparked by Njoku’s post needs to translate into tangible action, such as supporting women’s organizations, demanding policy changes from local and national representatives, spreading awareness about the realities of violence against women in Nigeria, and promoting self-defense training for women.
Men as Allies in Creating a Safer Nigeria
The fight for women’s safety is not a women’s issue alone. Men have a critical role to play as allies by challenging sexist norms, holding each other accountable for disrespectful behavior towards women, and supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women in all aspects of society.
Njoku’s Message: A Spark in the Darkness
Mary Njoku’s social media post, while imperfect, has ignited a crucial conversation. Moving beyond the limitations of victim-blaming, her message can be a catalyst for positive change. By working together, demanding accountability from authorities, and promoting a culture of safety and respect, Nigerians can create a future where women can live free from fear.
