Category: Arewa Voices

One of my closest friends – let’s call her Q – is a 24-year-old woman from Kano, northern Nigeria. She was sexually assaulted by her cousin for 10 long years. This abuse started when she was only 11.

In Ramadan 2020, I received the most troubling email.

The call came close to midnight. Like always, I was ending my day watching a sitcom and snacking on baguette and cheese – as one would in Paris.

The oldest woman in the Hausa household is the master storyteller. Her old age is a symbol of wisdom and with her storytelling skills, she transfers tradition from one generation to another.

If only about 4 per cent of women from northern Nigeria are represented in the Nigerian parliament, how are the needs of Arewa women brought forward and defended? What causes this gap in representation in the first place?

Culture dictates that a woman’s fulfilment is in marriage and raising children and nothing more.

Arewa women are not left out of this boom of online vendors and businesses. From skin care products to accessories, baked goods and even Kayan Mata and turaren wuta.

The Hijab is worn by Muslim women to obey the instructions of God. It is not an antidote to sin or abuse, if not the Hijab required of Muslim men would not be necessary.

Sadly, this woman’s story is one in hundreds of Fat and dark-skinned northern Nigerian women battling with self-esteem issues. In a world where the physical appearance of women is considered a priority.

Sadly, this woman’s story is one in hundreds of Fat and dark-skinned northern Nigerian women battling with self-esteem issues. In a world where the physical appearance of women is considered a priority.