Nigerian Films Raising Awareness on Violence Against Women
Gender-based violence continues to surge in Nigeria, and the film industry has emerged as a potent medium to spotlight these harmful practices.
Given the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, we’ve compiled a list of films that expose the crimes, discrimination, and mistreatment endured by women and girls in Nigeria. Like many global film industries, Nollywood has consistently acted as a voice and driver for societal progress. By focusing on social issues, whether overtly or subtly, Nollywood has shown itself to be a powerful vehicle for engaging in critical conversations and advocating for change.
This month took a dark turn for Nigerian women, with the shocking kidnapping and murder of Christianah Idowu, a university student. On September 4, 2024, news broke of her abduction, murder, and burial in a shallow grave by 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye. Shortly after, another disturbing incident surfaced: the death of 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was burned alive by her partner.
These devastating events echo similar tragedies in Nigeria’s recent past, including the cases of Ini Umoren, a job seeker murdered in 2023 by university student Uduak Akpan; Deborah Yakubu, who was lynched by religious extremists in Sokoto in 2020; Augusta Osedion, whose male partner was murdered; Best Nnanyereugo, also known as “Kilaboi”; Justina Otuene, killed by her boyfriend Damian Okoligwe; gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, who allegedly died after domestic violence inflicted by her husband Peter Nwachukwu; Vera Uwaila ‘Uwa’ Omozuwa, a 20-year-old raped and killed in an Edo State church; Barakat Bello, raped and fatally stabbed behind her parents’ home in Ibadan; and Bamise Ayanwola, a Lagos tailor allegedly raped and murdered by bus driver Andrew Omonikoron. The list is tragically long.
Despite heightened awareness and advocacy, online discussions about these murders often devolve into victim-blaming, with little focus on the accountability of the perpetrators. As femicide rates continue to rise, it’s essential to confront these issues directly.
Beyond entertainment, Nollywood has become a vital platform for addressing urgent social challenges affecting millions of Nigerians. With powerful storytelling and evocative performances, filmmakers are contributing to ongoing conversations about gender equality and women’s rights.
Here are four Nollywood films that shed light on the grim realities of gender-based violence, each offering a different view on the fight for justice and change:
1. Dry
Directed by Stephanie Okereke-Linus, this 2014 drama is inspired by real-life events, addressing the horrors of child marriage. It tells the story of 13-year-old Halima, whose poor, uneducated parents marry her off to 60-year-old Sani. Repeatedly raped in the marriage, Halima becomes pregnant and suffers Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) during childbirth. She experiences involuntary urination, leading to social ostracization, including abandonment by her husband. Zara, a doctor with a traumatic past, attempts to help Halima and other young girls facing similar struggles.
The film features Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge, Stephanie Okereke, Liz Benson, William McNamara, Darwin Shaw, Paul Sambo, Olu Jacobs, Rahama Hassan, Hauwa Maina, and other prominent actors.
2. October 1
Set in pre-independence Nigeria, this film revolves around a series of murders targeting women. As the country nears independence, a detective must catch the killer before the historic day arrives. The film examines sexual and gender-based violence, with the perpetrator revealed as the only son of a local ruler, who himself had endured abuse. The movie highlights how individuals in positions of power often escape accountability for such heinous crimes.
3. Wildflower
This film follows the lives of three women living in the same compound, each experiencing different forms of abuse from men around them. Rolake Dabiri, 24, grows tired of the violence and stands up against her oppressors. Directed by Biodun Stephen, this film emphasizes the importance of speaking out against abuse and encourages society to report perpetrators. The cast includes Damilare Kuku, Toyin Abraham, Sandra Okunzuwa, Jide Kosoko, and Zubby Micheal.
4. The Delectable Azeezah Sama
Produced by Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe and Fisayo Ojabodu, this short film depicts the life of Azeezah Sama, a beloved public figure who suffers severe abuse from her controlling partner. During an important interview, her partner’s interference forces her to hide the abuse. Directed by Tochi Onwubiko and Orobosa Ikponmwen, the film stars Nonso Ekemezie, Isoken Aruede, and others, showcasing the impact of domestic violence.
Nollywood remains a vital voice in the fight for gender equality, using its platform to bring attention to the ongoing struggles of women and girls in Nigeria.