Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has spoken out against what she describes as systemic gender bias embedded in Nigerian laws. In a recent interview, the award-winning actress expressed deep concern over how women are treated both culturally and legally in the country.
Henshaw argued that many Nigerian men are socially conditioned to view women as inferior, a mindset she believes is reinforced by existing legislation.
“God created man first, no doubt,” she said. “But He brought the woman from his side not from beneath his feet. That signifies equality, partnership. The woman was meant to stand beside the man, not beneath him. They were both created to thrive together.”
She went on to criticize the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, claiming that despite its name, the law still leans in favour of men.
“Even our so-called protective laws still uphold patriarchy. In some interpretations, a man is allowed to chastise his wife. Why is that acceptable?” she asked.
Henshaw’s remarks have sparked conversations online, with many echoing her call for legal reforms and a shift in societal attitudes toward women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria.
