Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has voiced her concerns over what she describes as systemic gender bias in Nigerian laws.
In a recent interview with Arise TV, the outspoken actress said many laws in the country are designed in ways that harm and disadvantage women.
Speaking with a calm but firm tone, Henshaw argued that women in Nigeria are not treated equally, both by society and the legal system. According to her, the nation’s laws and cultural practices continue to reflect deep-rooted beliefs that place women beneath men.
“Men see women as inferior”
“The average Nigerian man is wired to see women as lesser beings,” Henshaw stated during the interview. “This mindset is not only unfair, but it also fuels the inequality we see every day.”
She described how social conditioning, and cultural norms shape male attitudes from an early age. Boys are taught to dominate, while girls are expected to submit. Over time, she said, this becomes a cycle that affects every area of a woman’s life, from education and employment to marriage and legal rights.
“Our laws are not for women”
Henshaw did not hold back as she criticised the country’s legal framework, especially the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, also known as the VAPP Act. Although the law was introduced to protect citizens from violence and abuse, Henshaw believes it falls short in protecting women.
“Even our laws favour men,” she said bluntly. “The VAPP law is supposed to protect everyone, but in practice, it gives more protection to men. For example, a man can still legally chastise his wife. Why is that allowed?”
She questioned why such outdated ideas still exist in modern laws. “Why should a man be allowed to hit or ‘discipline’ his wife? That is not discipline. That is violence,” she said.
Calls for equality and respect
During the interview, Henshaw also spoke from a spiritual perspective. She referenced the biblical creation story, pointing out that women were made from the side of man, not from under his feet.
“God created woman from the side of man, not from beneath him,” she said. “That means women are supposed to walk beside men, not behind them. We are meant to rule together, grow together, and multiply together.”
Her message was clear: equality is not just a social or legal issue. It is also a moral and spiritual one.
A voice for the voiceless
Kate Henshaw is known for her roles in films, but in recent years, she has become just as known for her strong voice on social and political issues. She has consistently used her platform to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, especially women and children.
Her latest remarks have sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians applauding her bravery. Others, however, argue that the laws are not the problem, but rather the way they are enforced.
Still, Henshaw believes that the first step toward change is acknowledging the problem. “If we keep pretending that everything is okay, nothing will ever change,” she said.
The need for legal reform
Experts agree that while some progress has been made in protecting women’s rights in Nigeria, the journey is far from over. Laws like the VAPP Act exist on paper, but enforcement is often weak or inconsistent. Moreover, many local customs and religious beliefs continue to overshadow legal protections.
Activists have called for reforms that will close these gaps. They say laws should be reviewed to remove any parts that discriminate against women. More importantly, they stress the need for education and awareness to change the way people think.
Conclusion
Kate Henshaw’s comments may sound controversial to some, but they reflect the frustrations of many Nigerian women. Her call for fairness, respect, and legal reform is part of a growing movement that seeks to end gender-based discrimination in all forms.
As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: Nigeria must do more to protect its women, not just in words, but in action.
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