Since its emergence in 1848, feminism has evolved, taking on various forms and interweaving with different aspects of life, particularly religion and politics, often stirring debates and drawing criticisms. Yet, feminism has remained central to public discourse and a dominant theme in much of modern literature.
In Nigeria, literary figures such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have become prominent feminist voices, inspiring many young writers to follow suit. Adichie’s works frequently feature female protagonists shaped by the crises they endure—such as the twin sisters, Olanna and Kainene, from Half of a Yellow Sun. In her widely influential essay collection, We Should All Be Feminists, Adichie confronts entrenched cultural beliefs and gender stereotypes, advocating for a societal shift towards equality.
But even before Adichie, there was Buchi Emecheta, a trailblazer who—though resistant to the feminist label, centred women in her narratives. Today’s Nigerian female writers, including Abayomi Adebayo, Nnedi Okorafor, Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, Hafsat Abdulwaheed, and Ukamaka Olisakwe, have similarly been dubbed feminist writers.
As literature reflects society, one might ask: Are these new waves of feminist literature mirroring societal changes, or is society subtly shifting towards the ideals of these writers? In other words, is literature shaping society or reflecting it?
In politics, the feminist movement is making notable strides as more women vie for political office. First ladies, in particular, have used their platforms to drive social change in their communities. A prime example is Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti State’s former governor, who championed numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women during her tenure as first lady. Over an eight-year period, she was instrumental in the passage of laws such as the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law (November 2011, revised in October 2019), the Equal Opportunities Bill (November 2013), the HIV Anti-Stigma Bill (April 2014), and the Ekiti State Gender Composition Law (March 2022). Fayemi also served as Chair of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) from 2019 to 2022, under which the forum gained increased visibility and influence.
However, these achievements have not come without backlash. During a book reading organized in her honor by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Fayemi spoke at length about the stereotypes faced by political spouses, particularly those advocating for women’s rights. She noted that her women-centered initiatives made her a target for criticism, which reflects a broader resistance to feminist movements in Nigerian society.
This resistance begs the question: Is Nigeria’s political system prepared to fully embrace feminism? Many conservatives remain wary of the movement, fearing that it encourages women to challenge men in every sphere, a dynamic perceived to contradict African traditions, where men are often regarded as superior to women. This notion of male superiority is deeply ingrained not only in African customs but also in the two dominant religions in Nigeria: Christianity and Islam. As a result, feminism struggles to gain a firm foothold in African society, thriving primarily in the realm of literature. This leads to the question: Has feminism chosen literature as its primary tool for advancement in Nigeria? And if so, will it ever extend its influence beyond social circles and the pages of books to achieve real political power?
With only 2.7% of Nigerian senators being women, a mere 25% of ministers being female, and no female governor ever elected, feminism in Nigeria still has a long way to go before it becomes a significant force in politics. The question remains: Will feminist ideals ever rise to prominence in the Nigerian political landscape, or will they remain largely confined to literature and advocacy?
Feminism, since its inception in 1848, has evolved significantly, intertwining with various facets of life, including religion and politics. In Nigeria, feminism prominently features in literature, with figures like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie leading the charge. Adichie’s influential works, including "We Should All Be Feminists," challenge cultural beliefs and advocate for gender equality, inspiring many young writers. Buchi Emecheta, an earlier pioneer, and contemporary writers such as Abayomi Adebayo and Nnedi Okorafor continue to spotlight women’s experiences through their narratives.
Despite its literary prominence, feminism in Nigerian politics faces substantial challenges. Notable strides have been made, such as the efforts by Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who championed several women's empowerment laws during her tenure as the first lady of Ekiti State. However, these efforts have met with considerable resistance, reflecting the broader societal reluctance to fully embrace feminist ideals. Cultural and religious beliefs deeply ingrained in Nigerian society view male superiority as integral, hindering the feminist movement's political progress.
The representation of women in Nigerian politics remains minimal, with only 2.7% of senators and 25% of ministers being female, and no female governor ever elected. As a result, while feminist literature thrives, its translation into political influence and societal change remains limited, raising questions about the future trajectory of feminism in Nigeria.
