Nigerian Laws Biased Against Women – Actress Kate Henshaw

Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has criticized Nigeria’s legal system, claiming it is structured to favor men and suppress women.

Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, Henshaw expressed concern over how societal and legal norms in Nigeria marginalize women. She stated that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), which is meant to protect individuals from abuse, disproportionately benefits men.

“God created man first, yes,” she said, “but woman was made from his side — not from beneath his feet. That means she was meant to stand beside him, not below him.”

Henshaw argued that many Nigerian men view women as inferior and treat them as second-class citizens, an attitude reinforced by the law.

“A man is allowed to chastise his wife. Why?” she asked rhetorically, highlighting her concerns over deeply entrenched patriarchal interpretations of justice.

The actress’s comments have sparked discussion online, especially among gender rights advocates, as they underscore ongoing debates around gender equity and legal reform in Nigeria.