Renowned Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, has openly identified as a feminist, emphasizing the strength and resilience of women. In a viral video circulating on social media, Akindele shared her views while advising the wife of popular skit maker, Kamo State.
Despite declaring her feminist beliefs, Akindele clarified that her stance does not promote disrespect toward men, especially within the context of marriage. She urged women to uphold respect for their husbands while encouraging men to treat women with dignity and care.
“I’m a feminist, but I don’t support women disrespecting their husbands. Do what is right and maintain mutual respect,” Akindele stated. She stressed that women are not the weaker gender, highlighting that men should treat women with special regard and never relegate them to stereotypical roles.
According to the actress, women’s economic empowerment is crucial in maintaining a balanced and supportive household. “Women are strong and bold. Our economic power matters, and we must protect it. With financial strength, we can support our husbands and contribute meaningfully to our homes,” she added.
Akindele’s remarks come at a time when conversations around feminism and gender equality continue to gain momentum in Nigeria and across the globe. Her balanced perspective encourages both genders to foster relationships built on respect, equality, and shared responsibilities.
In a related revelation, Akindele reflected on her journey to fame, acknowledging the significant support she received from her colleagues in the Nigerian film industry. Speaking via her Snapchat during a vacation in Ghana with her friend Eniola Badmus and content creator Kamo, the actress shared how Sikiratu Sindodo and Iyabo Ojo played pivotal roles in her rise to stardom.
Recalling her early struggles, Akindele revealed that breaking into Nollywood was far from easy. She spoke candidly about how she had to borrow clothes from Sindodo just to appear presentable on movie sets. “Back then, when I wasn’t getting roles, I would borrow dresses from Tayo Sindodo. She would help me pick nice outfits so I could look good on set,” she reminisced.
The actress also praised Iyabo Ojo for her kindness and unwavering support during those challenging times. “Iyabo Ojo was incredibly nice to me. She would fight for me whenever I was treated unfairly on set. I remember she would drive us around in her small red car. We supported each other through thick and thin, and that’s how our friendship blossomed,” Akindele shared.
She recounted an incident where Sindodo confronted a producer on her behalf after she was denied a role. “I remember carrying my bag after not being given a role. Sindodo went straight to Uncle Abbey to stand up for me. I’ll never forget that,” she said.
Akindele expressed her intention to use her story to inspire aspiring talents, highlighting the importance of perseverance, friendship, and support in achieving success. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the value of uplifting one another in the entertainment industry.
