Feminism in Nigeria: A movement misunderstood, a message lost?

Feminism has become one of the most debated and emotionally charged topics in Nigeria today. While its core message—equal rights and opportunities for all genders—is widely supported in theory.

Many Nigerians remain unsure, uncomfortable, or even disillusioned with how the movement is perceived and practised. This disconnect between intention and interpretation is at the heart of ongoing tensions around the feminist label.

Women’s Choice April 2025 poll by BusinessDay explored how Nigerians perceive feminism, revealing a troubling gap between the ideals of the movement and how it is understood—or misunderstood—on the ground. The results paint a complex, often conflicting picture of values, confusion, and cautious distance from a cause that, for all its importance, still feels alien or even threatening to many.

When asked what comes to mind first when they hear the word “feminism,” a majority of respondents echoed the phrase “equal rights and equal opportunities.” Yet, in nearly the same breath, many distanced themselves from the feminist label. “I support the values but not the label” was a common refrain, highlighting the widespread perception that feminism, while rooted in noble intentions, has become tainted by misrepresentation, online aggression, and elitism.

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One respondent admitted plainly: “I’m just working hard, not thinking about labels.” Another added, “Honestly, I’m still trying to understand it.” This hesitance speaks to a broader pattern: feminism is viewed less as a movement for all and more as a cause that either excludes or miscommunicates its purpose, particularly to men and even to women outside elite circles.

In communities and workplaces, feminism is “rarely talked about” or is “misunderstood,” according to many who participated in the survey. In fact, some described the movement as “negatively perceived” or “misrepresented,” with several respondents linking it to “gender war and division.” A few even suggested that feminism is “somewhat confrontational,” or worse, “aggressive” and “salty”—terms that indicate deep discomfort with how the movement is presented, especially online.

The digital space came up often, and not favorably. Several respondents felt that the way feminists express themselves online is doing more harm than good. “It’s pushing people away from the main issue,” one said. Another pointed out that “many feminists online are not clear on what they really stand for,” while one particularly striking comment warned, “It appears to be artificial.”

Still, the poll was not entirely bleak. Some respondents shared personal transformations, stating that feminism had made them more confident and ambitious. “It made me more confident to aim higher,” said one woman. Others highlighted the necessity of the movement for increasing women’s political participation, ending gender-based violence, and breaking harmful cultural stereotypes. These priorities featured strongly when respondents were asked what feminism in Nigeria should focus on today.

What became clear from the responses is that while the message of feminism—gender equality—is widely supported, the messenger is often mistrusted. Many respondents called for a less confrontational approach, better public education, and a more inclusive tone that invites, rather than alienates, those unfamiliar with or skeptical of the movement.

In terms of impact, there was cautious optimism. A handful of respondents believed feminism has made a tangible difference in women’s lives in Nigeria, though most agreed there’s still a long way to go. “A little, but there’s a long way to go,” was a phrase that recurred frequently—hinting at slow but perceptible progress.

When asked what they would change about how feminism is discussed in Nigeria, most focused on tone and clarity. Suggestions ranged from “making it less confrontational” to “improving awareness and education” and “creating equality awareness.” Others called for a reframing of feminism as collaborative rather than combative—more about “mutual respect and inclusion” and “enlightening the female child” than waging war against men or societal norms.

Yet, some pointed out a deeper problem: that feminism in Nigeria has been “hijacked by extremists,” or that it has become “a political tool” used by “single mothers and divorcées” to alienate men. While controversial, these views underline a truth the poll makes impossible to ignore—feminism in Nigeria is suffering from a crisis of messaging. And in that confusion, many who might otherwise be allies are disengaging, or worse, opposing it.

The message from this poll is not that Nigerians reject feminism outright—but that they want a version of it that speaks to their realities, invites dialogue, and makes space for complexity. Until then, the movement may continue to be seen not as a bridge to progress, but as a battleground of misunderstandings.