Kate Henshaw Criticizes Gender Inequality in Nigerian Society

Veteran Nollywood star Kate Henshaw has voiced strong criticism regarding how Nigerian society perceives and treats women.

During a recent interview on Arise TV, the accomplished actress, who has spent over three decades in the film industry, addressed the issue of gender disparity in Nigeria.

Henshaw emphasized her belief that Nigerian men fail to view women as their equals.

Referencing Biblical teachings, Henshaw contended that according to Christian creation narratives, God intended for women to stand alongside men as equals rather than in subordinate positions.

Related: Kate Henshaw Condemns Naira Redesign

The actress further criticized Nigeria’s legal framework, arguing that it permits and reinforces the inferior treatment of women by men.

“God created man and woman,” the thespian said.

“He created the man first, no doubt.

“Even pastors and churches are at fault for this.

“He (God) brought the woman from the side, not from the head over the man or from under to be beneath him but beside, to reign beside him, to be fruitful, multiply and bring up children and grow together but Nigerian men see women as less than human that is why when you leave these shores and go somewhere else, they show you people pepper.

“You see us as this wood…even our laws, the violence against person’s prohibition laws favours the man…A man is reasonably allowed to chastise his wife.”

As an illustration of Nigerian legislation that benefits men at women’s expense, Henshaw highlighted the citizenship law that grants foreign women married to Nigerian men the right to obtain Nigerian citizenship, while foreign men who marry Nigerian women are denied this same opportunity.