- Women’s financial independence and successful exploits across the board are becoming more celebrated in the Nigerian society
- Nollywood films, through formidable characters, have also highlighted this trend TheRadar curated 5 Nollywood characters and titles that advocated for women’s financial independence and power tussle
Advocating for women's financial independence is becoming a prevalent ‘gospel’ in modern times. They are at the heart of economic activities these days.
Before now, a notion strongly hung that women ought to depend on men to call the shots in their lives. Today, it is a different ball game.
Nollywood films have also advocated for women's financial freedom through its theme and character development in their story structure.
These characters were developed to exhibit independence and call the shots even in male-dominated environments and societal pressures of being underrated.
With money comes freedom, authority, influence and power and women lately are not sleeping on changing the stereotype of what it used to be.
5 Nollywood titles that advocated for women’s financial independence
- Asari in Adire
The character Asari played by Kehinde Bankole in Adire is a typical example of women harnessing their financial strength to gain independence. Asari worked for a notorious pimp, played by Yomi Black, who used her as he deemed fit. He oppressed her and determined everything in her life. Asari finally broke free with her fashion business idea. The business became successful in helping her reclaim her identity and economic power.
- Eniola Salami in King of Boys
Kemi Adetiba’s directed film King of Boys also highlighted the benefit of women's financial independence through a formidable character. Navigating through a political male dominated terrain, Eniola Salami played by Sola Sobowale portrayed a powerful woman. She was a wealthy businesswoman who enjoyed a solid economic power. This allowed her to maintain control, eliminate threats and attain her goals.
- Todowedo in Breaded Life
Breaded Life in exploring women's financial freedom took the most common approach with a bread seller Todowedo, played by Bimbo Ademoye. She ran an independent bread business to foot her bills and maintain her standard of living. Her financial sufficiency came to play when the bakery owner that supplied her bread revealed how he had consistently made advances towards her but she refused. Maybe, she would have succumbed if she wasn't independent. She was also a me to accommodate Sunmi played by Timini Egbuson when he was stranded.
- Adaeze in Lion Heart
Playing Adaeze in Lion Heart, Genevieve Nnaji showed how women rise up to the occasion if given the chance. She was versed in operations and finances yet when her father fell ill no one believed she could manage his company. Her uncle was appointed instead. Nevertheless, as the story progressed, her financial prowess vindicated her. She got the accolades she deserved after saving her father’s company from debts and bankruptcy.
- Ibukun Awosika in Citation
In Citation, a significant part highlighting women's financial independence and authority was captured with the character of Ibukun Awosika. In a panel hearing, a male professor attempted to undermine the academic credentials of a young female panel member. In response, Ibukun Awosika, a senior member of the panel, countered him with her impressive qualifications. It suppressed the professor's arrogance and allowed true justice to prevail.
6 highly anticipated Nollywood titles in September
A new month means new movie dates, and what better way is there than to settle for a great movie?
To save movie lovers stress, TheRadar spotlighted 6 highly anticipated Nollywood titles you should add to your calendar
