Nigerian women don’t find it easy being women. There are societal expectations from Nigerian women that leave them confused. For many years, these women have been told what to do, what to wear, what to do with their bodies, and how to live their lives.
Little wonder many Nigerian women don’t love for themselves. Many of them are more concerned about what others think and say about them instead of doing what’s best for them. These women live and die for society’s approval, acceptance and validation.
Here are 10 unrealistic expectations the Nigerian society expect from Nigerian women:
A woman shouldn’t talk about sex openly, it is not right.
A woman shouldn’t tell a man what turns her on, he might think she’s a whore.
A woman shouldn’t ask a man she’s tripping over out, he will think she’s loose.
A woman shouldn’t scream during sex, her man might think she lacks morals.
A woman shouldn’t talk back at a man, even the ones who disrespect her on the road, or she might lose a husband material.
A woman shouldn’t say no to her man’s request for sex even if she just delivered a baby, she might push him outside.
A woman shouldn’t wear tight dresses so that she won’t be raped.
A woman shouldn’t own properties even if she has money to do so, she must buy them in her husband’s name.
A woman must not question her husband’s decision even if it is destroying her family.
A woman shouldn’t be bringing out money for the upkeep of the house, she should first give the money to her husband so that people won’t think she’s the one wearing the pants at home.
A single woman shouldn’t live alone or buy a car if she can afford it so that she won’t chase away prospective suitors.
A woman shouldn’t be on top during sex, she is not the head.
Women should be allowed to live for themselves.
Enough of all these unrealistic societal expectations!
It is not just Nigeria, I think it is the whole Africa and it is killing our potential to live a good life as women. I have been fight this stigma from the time I knew I was female and will continue doing so.