When Feminism Turns Into A Deadly Weapon

By Fatima Idakwo,

What happens when the fight for women’s rights becomes a bloody war? A war that harms society as a whole? The term “feminism” stirs intense emotions and reactions from people worldwide. To many, it brings to mind images of angry, bitter women determined to bring down men.

While this portrayal is a misrepresentation, it is not without cause. Some self-proclaimed feminists have, unfortunately, used the movement to fuel hate and division between the sexes. Historically, feminism has always been a movement advocating for equality and justice for women.

Icons like Emmeline Pankhurst, Simone de Beauvoir, and Bell Hooks fought tirelessly for women’s rights and to challenge societal norms that limited their opportunities. The core goal was simple: to ensure women had equal rights, opportunities, and respect in all spheres of life.

Over time, the movement evolved, continuing its fight into the 21st century. However, in recent times, feminism has been hijacked by individuals who are not genuinely interested in gender equality but in using the movement as a tool for advancing a personal, often destructive, agenda.

These individuals—sometimes referred to as “feminist invaders”—hide behind the banner of feminism while spreading harmful messages of anger and hatred towards men. They use the movement to promote a dangerous, one-sided narrative that does not reflect the original principles of feminism.

By doing so, they have cast a shadow over the real struggle for gender equality, making it harder for true feminists to promote the core message of the movement. The damage done by these extremists is twofold. First, they perpetuate a false narrative that feminism is inherently about hating men.

Second, they deter women who would otherwise join the fight for equality from doing so, fearing that the movement has been overtaken by extremists with radical agendas. As a result, the true essence of feminism has been hijacked and diverted from its original, peaceful and empowering mission.

One of the most significant barriers to resolving this issue is the lack of widespread understanding about what feminism is actually about. For many people, especially in places like Nigeria, the movement is misunderstood.

Without a clear grasp of the history and purpose of feminism, it is easy for individuals to become confused between true feminists—who strive for equality—and those who misuse the movement to further their own agenda. This confusion is evident globally, but especially in societies where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched.

A recent example in Nigeria highlights the dangers of this misunderstanding. An undercover group, calling themselves “Feminist Witches,” was exposed for holding secret meetings where they discussed their hatred for men and plotted to harm or even end the lives of men.

These extremists, hiding under the guise of feminism, do nothing but tarnish the movement and sow seeds of division. Their actions are not only dangerous but also counterproductive to the cause of women’s rights. Such examples prove that the feminist movement can be manipulated and turned into a weapon in the wrong hands.

It’s crucial for true feminists to step up and clarify the movement’s original goals. They must actively differentiate themselves from the extremists and make it clear that feminism is about empowerment, not destruction. Educating the public about the movement’s true essence is necessary to prevent it from being hijacked further.

A true feminist does not desire the downfall of men; rather, she seeks equality. She wants to be acknowledged for her abilities and treated with the same respect as men. She wants her talents to be recognized, her voice to be heard, and her potential to be respected. Feminism, at its core, is about empowering women—not about dismantling men.

It’s about providing women with the opportunity to live fulfilling, equal lives without the constraints of outdated, patriarchal norms. Unfortunately, the growth of these extremist factions, like the “Feminist Witches,” continues to pose a serious threat. As they gain followers, they risk not only undermining the progress of the feminist movement but also creating a dangerous precedent where men and women are pitted against each other in a never-ending war.

This is not the goal of feminism, and it must be stopped before it escalates further. The fight for feminism is not over. Around the world, women still face discrimination, oppression, and violence. In many societies, gender inequality continues to permeate every aspect of life, from education and employment to politics and family dynamics.

But in order for the feminist movement to succeed, it must remain focused on its true purpose: gender equality. The movement must reject those who seek to turn it into a platform for hate and division. True feminists must rise to the occasion, reject the extremists, and make it clear that feminism is about love, respect, and empowerment—not destruction.

The movement must return to its roots and continue to advocate for a world where men and women are equal partners in every facet of society. Until this is done, the term “feminism” will continue to attract negative attention and misconceptions. It will be misunderstood, misrepresented, and misused by those who seek to divide rather than unite.

To avoid this, feminists must be vigilant and make sure the true message of the movement is heard. Feminism is not a network of angry, vengeful women who want to harm men. It is a fight for the rights of women to live freely, equally, and with dignity. It is a movement that strives for a world where women are no longer confined to the sidelines but can stand side by side with men in every area of life.

Fatima Idakwo is an intern at PR Nigeria. She can be reached at: [email protected].