Veteran actress Rita Edochie has voiced strong criticism towards women who remain in toxic and unfaithful relationships for financial reasons.
Edochie, known for her outspoken nature, took to Instagram to express her disappointment with the current generation’s approach to infidelity, comparing it with the values upheld in the past.
Reflecting on how women used to handle unfaithful partners, Edochie explained that, in her time, women were more assertive and less tolerant of cheating.
She noted that women would confront their partners directly, withhold intimacy, and adopt an attitude that made it clear such behavior was unacceptable.
“In the past, women didn’t hesitate to stand their ground. If we discovered our partners were cheating, we would confront them, yell at them, and refuse to engage with them until they changed. If they didn’t, we would walk away from the relationship, regardless of their status or wealth,” she explained.
Edochie expressed her disappointment with what she perceives as a shift in modern attitudes, where some women prioritize financial stability over self-respect.
She criticized those who, despite knowing about their partner’s infidelity and toxic behavior, choose to remain in the relationship for monetary gain.
“I weep for women of this era. During our time, if we found out that our men cheated on us, we would resist it with full force. We’d yell, starve him sexually, and give him an attitude he couldn’t ignore. And if he refused to change, we’d walk away, no matter who he thought he was or how much money he had,” she wrote.
She then urged women of today to reclaim their self-worth and stop tolerating such behavior, regardless of the financial benefits they may receive.
Edochie emphasized the importance of financial independence for women, encouraging them to establish their own means of income so they would not feel trapped in unhealthy relationships.
“Ladies, you can do better! It’s high time you started showing your men that money does not buy respect. You need to stand up for yourselves and prove that your dignity cannot be bought.”
Edochie went on to advise women to find a source of income, become financially independent, and take control of their own lives. “I’ve always said this: women should have something they do that brings them money.
Be a boss, sail your own ship, so you can confidently confront a man who disrespects you. When you rely entirely on a man for survival, you lose your voice. You won’t be able to stand up for yourself when he begins to trample on your emotions.”
She concluded her post with a passionate plea for women to prioritize their well-being and plan for their futures. “Please, plan yourselves, biko. It is better to take action now than to suffer in silence.”
Edochie’s message, though direct and critical, aimed to empower women to take charge of their lives, emphasizing that financial security and independence are essential tools for navigating relationships and maintaining self-respect.
Her post has since sparked a debate online, with some users praising her for her bold stance, while others argued that the complexities of modern relationships make it difficult for women to easily walk away from situations where financial stability is at stake.
Nevertheless, Edochie’s message highlights the importance of independence and self-worth, urging women to recognize their value beyond material wealth and to set boundaries that protect their emotional and mental well-being.