Nigeria Feminists Criticize Women Affairs Minister's Call for Women to Stay Silent in Marital Conflicts

In a recent address at a conference, Nigeria's Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, urged women to remain silent during arguments with their husbands to avoid potential physical harm.

The minister's controversial statement has ignited a debate on gender roles and safety within relationships. Kennedy-Ohaneye emphasized that maintaining peace at home is crucial and advised women to keep their mouths shut during heated moments.

The minister also called for the enactment of a law establishing a mobile court to address gender and sexual-based offenses. She pledged to lead a protest for the law's implementation and announced plans to launch an integrity group to monitor funds allocated for women's empowerment.

The proposal has triggered mixed reactions, with critics condemning the advice as reinforcing harmful stereotypes, while others see it as a pragmatic approach to preventing domestic violence. The incident highlights broader discussions on women's rights and safety in Nigerian society.