Feminism is a “dirty” word. And as with any dirty word, people would rather not be labelled with it. They twist themselves into knots to avoid the tag even if they believe in its basic tenets. Sometimes they call themselves humanist, which is another kettle of fish. Even the Oxford dictionary links the definition of rabid (marked by excessive enthusiasm for and…
Category: Feminism
What Olajumoke Tells Us About Nigeria and Ourselves
You’ve probably heard the story by now. Bread. Tinie Tempah. TY Bello. Then came the luxury flat, features by international news outlets, elocution lessons and an influx of brand endorsements. If you haven’t heard about Olajumoke Orisaguna, you can catch up here. I’m always interested in the way Nigerians react to popular events. It reveals so much about the bits that…
This is what 81 looks like: An Hour with Gloria Steinem
One of my favourite things to do is listen to people smarter than I am or who know more about a particular subject than I do. It’s why I love TED talks and my dream job would be going from place to place listening to intelligent people say intelligent things (for the most part). My idea of doing something adventurous is hopping…
The New Yorker: Gloria Steinem doesn’t drive
I came across this video of feminist Gloria Steinem talking a bit about her childhood and why she doesn’t drive. I don’t, won’t and can’t drive. I related immediately. However what made me post this was the bit where she talks about how she kept on saying that she would settle down “but just not right now.” She kept putting it…
ICYMI: Roxane Gay’s Confessions of A Bad Feminist
I love Roxane Gay. She’s an awesome writer. She uses words in ways that make me feel like I just ate pounded yam with okro and pocho – filled and a little teary. In May this year, she spoke at the TED Women conference. It’s Roxane’s (yes first name basis) work in verbal form: witty, insightful and fearless. Here’s a snippet from…